How much do braces cost? UK prices | 2024

Orthodontics is one of the most commonly performed dental treatments in children, adolescents and adults. The goal of orthodontics is to improve the position of the teeth, the bite, and overall oral health. Although there are various types of orthodontics, braces are still one of the most popular. What you may not know is that not all braces are the same and depending on the type of braces you choose, the cost of treatment can change for both adults and adolescents. In this article we’ll explain the different types of dental braces that exist, their prices and the reasons the cost can vary.

Types of braces

As we just mentioned, there are many types of braces and a wide range of prices in the UK. Today, thanks to advances in medicine and technology, we can choose the treatment that best suits our tastes, needs, and pockets.

Metal braces

Metal braces are the best known and, until now, the most used and cost effective - this is simply because they were the first braces created to straighten teeth. They are still used very frequently today, especially in children and adolescents.

Thanks to advances in medicine, metal braces are now smaller and take up less space on the tooth, making treatment more comfortable for the patient, but they remain quite visible.

Invisible braces

Invisible braces, which are usually made of sapphire or ceramic, are much more aesthetically pleasing and tend to go unnoticed - hence the name. Sapphire braces are made from sapphire crystal and are very popular with patients looking for a more discreet option for straightening their teeth. It’s a common choice in braces among adults. Then we have ceramic brackets, these are a little more opaque than the previous ones. Regardless, it’s important to mention that this type of braces usually uses a metal wire, so the treatment will not be completely invisible.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating brackets are usually metal. They differ from other apparatuses because of their revolutionary system that does not require the use of elastics to tie each piece to the metal arch. The wire passes directly through each bracket and allows for a faster and more pleasant treatment. Additionally, since they are smaller and take up less space on the tooth’s surface, they’re more discreet than traditional metal brackets.

Lingual brackets

Lingual braces work exactly the same as other braces, except that they are placed on the inside of the teeth. This allows them to be completely invisible from the outside. Placing the braces on the inside of the teeth usually causes an increased cost.

Factors that can vary the cost of dental braces

There are many questions that people ask themselves when the orthodontist recommends starting treatment with braces. Among them the most important, is the cost of dental braces. The answer to this question will vary depending on several factors:

The type of braces you choose

The first factor that determines the price of a treatment is the specific type of braces you decide to use. As we’ve discussed, there are many different types of braces in the UK and their prices vary considerably, with traditional metal braces having the lowest cost.

Case complexity

Another factor that determines the price of dental braces is the difficulty of each individual case. If the malocclusion, diastemas or crowding are mild, the treatment will last less time. On the other hand, if the difficulty is anywhere from medium to complex, the treatment will take longer. Complex mouths and teeth require more dedication from the specialist, more use of material, etc., which in turn causes the braces price to increase.

Additionally, if the case is noted as more complex, the treatment will last longer and more check-ups with the orthodontist will be needed, which also causes an increase in the price of the braces for your teeth.

Type of clinics and professionals

In the UK there are a large number of clinics and professionals dedicated to offering different orthodontic treatments. The price of teeth braces in the UK can vary depending on the location of the clinic and its popularity.

Therefore, we must analyze and choose a clinic that gives us confidence, has real professionals, and offers us a good product with great value.

How much do braces cost in the UK?

To answer your question about how much metal or fixed braces cost in the UK, or any other braces for that matter, we remind you that the cost of braces depends on many factors. So, below we made a list of the approximate average cost of the different types of braces.

• Metal braces price - Approximately between £1,500 and £3,000
• Clear braces price - Approximately between £1,500 and £5,500
  
• Self-ligating braces price - Approximately between £2,000 and £6,000
  
• Lingual orthodontics price - Approximately between £3,000 and £10,000

Impress aligners: the alternative to traditional braces

Twenty years ago, we wouldn’t have been able to talk about the cost of all these braces alternatives to straighten teeth. But today, the advances in science, medicine and technology give us alternatives to improve the appearance of the smile.

One of the best orthodontics options is treatment using invisible aligners. This type of orthodontics is made with a special transparent plastic which patients can use to complete their treatment in a way that’s almost totally invisible to others. In addition, they are removable, comfortable and very easy to clean, making them the perfect cost-effective option for adults and adolescents alike.

Why choose Impress?

At Impress we are specialists in this type of orthodontics. If you want to align your smile with the best professionals, get in touch with us. We will inform you about our orthodontic treatments at your nearest Impress clinic.

You can book an appointment through our website, by phone or WhatsApp at +44 20 3808 1072.