How much do braces cost?

Finding out how much straightening your teeth with braces is going to cost can be a huge headache for anyone. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay anywhere between £2,000 and £6,500 for braces. We talk about the varying prices and the factors affecting cost.

How much do braces cost in the UK?

 Here's an approximate average cost of the different types of braces.

• Metal braces price - Approximately between £1,600 and £4,000
• Clear braces price - Approximately between £1,800 and £5,500
  
• Self-ligating braces price - Approximately between £2,000 and £6,000
  
• Lingual orthodontics price - Approximately between £5,000 and £7,000

Factors affecting the cost of braces

To answer your question in more detail, we have to consider the many factors that can affect the cost of braces.

Treatment Complexity and Duration: Depending on the type of malocclusions you have and the expected length of your treatment, the price may vary, or carry additional tariffs for add-ons, refinements or unexpected complexities.

Geographic Location: Costs do vary country by country, so some people opt to travel out of their country, or even to a different region, for a more competitive price. We're happy to have more than 110 clinics across the UK, Europe and the US–offering you the flexibility to manage your plan on the go!

Clinic Fees: Unfortunately, some clinics can and do charge a premium to visit them based on what they think the time spent exploring your specific orthodontic needs is. Sometimes this charge is deductible from your treatment costs if you choose to go ahead. We're really proud to be offering free first visits at Impress. Have you booked in to see us yet?

Insurance Coverage: Having private medical and dental insurance could save you some money, but you need to check with your insurer about the extent of coverage that comes with your policy, and the participating clinics that can support your orthodontic treatment requirements, too.

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.

How to get an accurate cost for your braces

To figure out the exact cost of braces for your situation, it's important to round up a few assessments and ask for a quote that breaks down everything you can expect to pay.

1. Book a consultation with an orthodontist: Braces and clear aligners should always be assessed by a qualified professional in person who can explore your specific needs and give you a personalised treatment plan.

2. Request a detailed quote: If one isn't provided at the time of your visit, ask when you can expect to receive it, and the expiration date of the quote.

3. Don't forget to ask about payment options: A lot of clinics can talk to you about ways to spread the cost. You can head to our prices page to find out more about our prices and payment options.NHS Dental costs

In the UK, anyone over 18 who has "aged out" of the chance to get free braces through the NHS has to face what can often be a significant investment.

There is a lot of controversy about the NHS waiting lists and the lack of availability at NHS dental clinics across England.

Take a look at this handy dental infographic to see the average costs for braces and straightening in the UK, or book an easy and free orthodontic evaluation at an Impress clinic near you.

Alternatives to NHS braces

It's wise to consider the other options in the UK dental market. From cost-effective aligners to pricier, lingual bracket braces.

If you want to rectify something about your smile, an invisible aligner might be a quicker and cheaper option. If you're a parent looking for options for your teen, that doesn't mean waiting years. Take a look at our teens page.

Price of braces: why does it vary?

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.

Impress aligners: the alternative to traditional braces

The advances in science, medicine and technology give us alternatives to improve the appearance of the smile.

One of the best orthodontic 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. 

Payment plans for braces and aligners

Many orthodontic centres now offer a variety of payment options for braces. Impress offers a variety of payment options for our clear aligner treatment from as little as £51.34 per month. That's with a free orthodontic evaluation, too! You can come for your first, no-obligation visit absolutely free.

Why choose Impress?

We are smile specialists! If you want to align your smile with the best professionals, get in touch with us, or visit a clinic near you to find out more about your personalised orthodontic treatment.

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

Updated: September 2025