invisalign nhs

How much do braces cost in the UK? It’s an important question if you’re hoping to get your teeth straightened, but the answer depends on several factors.

Adult braces are becoming more and more popular, and along with this demand there has been some great innovation in the materials and technology used in orthodontic treatment. This means that treatment can be more effective and less noticeable than ever before.

With so many different choices, the matter of braces prices becomes complicated, and working out which is the right type for you can be overwhelming. But it’s important you know what different types of braces cost so you can choose a solution that works for you in terms of both aesthetics and budget.

If you’re considering having your teeth straightened or have a teenager who may need orthodontic work, this guide is for you. You’ll find answers to questions including:

• What types of braces for teeth are available in the UK?
• Which brands are the best?
• How does the process work?
• How long will treatment take?
• What’s it like wearing braces?
• How much do braces cost in the UK?
• Can I get braces on the NHS?
• What about cheaper ‘mail-order aligner’ options?

We know that the cost of braces in the UK can be a sticking point if you have to pay for private treatment. So we have also included some tips for finding the right provider and making your orthodontic treatment fit your budget.

We hope that by the end of this guide you’ll feel much more confident about taking the first steps towards a straighter smile!Straighter teeth with invisible braces

One of the most popular types of braces for adults and teens is Invisalign clear aligners. They’re practically invisible and can treat 90% of orthodontic cases. Plus, they have the convenience of being removable.

It’s quick and easy to find out if you’re a good candidate; just fill out Invisalign’s free Smile Assessment.

Below you can read more about why Invisalign is one of the best options for teen and adult braces.Check if you’re eligible for Invisalign

How do braces work?

There are several types of braces used in modern orthodontics. Each one works in a slightly different way, but the main aim of braces for teeth is to correct problems with dental alignment. We’ll cover the different types in more detail later on so you can understand how they work.

There are three main reasons why your dentist or orthodontist may recommend you have dental braces fitted:

• Your teeth are crooked, crowded or protruding and need to be realigned
• You have gaps between your teeth that need to be closed
• You have a malocclusion (e.g. overbite or underbite), meaning your upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly and this is affecting your bite

This video animation demonstrates the correction of some of these dental problems:about:blank

If these problems are left untreated they can lead to:

• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty cleaning teeth properly, resulting in further dental problems
• Increased chance of damage to prominent teeth
• Headaches from jaw and muscle strain
• Speech impediments
• Self-consciousness with the appearance of teeth

Do you want to see what you would look like with straighter teeth? You can use Invisalign’s free SmileView tool to find out. Even if you’re not an Invisalign patient, you just need to upload a selfie and you’ll have an image of yourself with straighter teeth in about a minute. Give it a try now!

Who can have orthodontic braces?

Teeth straightening works best when the teeth and jaw are still growing, but treatment won’t usually begin until most adult teeth have come through. This means the ideal age to start wearing dental braces is usually around 10-14.

However, braces can still be effective at any age. The British Orthodontic Society reported in June 2026 that 80% of its members had been fitting more adults with braces, up from 75% in 2016.

The typical adult patient is female and aged 26-55, but a previous survey showed that the number of men seeking orthodontic work as adults is on the rise.Ask a dentist: Am I ready for adult braces?

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. More than 20% of people with braces are now adults and 1.4 million Americans over the age of 18 have braces – a 40% increase since the late 80s.

Adults are getting braces for a variety of reasons: to achieve a better smile or to fix the effects of conditions like gum and bone loss, tooth decay or jaw joint pain.

But braces aren’t for everyone and you have to make a commitment. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and your orthodontist before you begin adult orthodontic treatment:

• Are you willing to put up with minor changes in your appearance during treatment?
• Are you willing to abstain from certain sticky and hard treats?
• Are you willing to endure some tenderness in your mouth and teeth after adjustments?
• Are you willing to cooperate with the instructions and suggestions of your orthodontist?
• Are your treatment expectations realistic?

Dr. Clarke Stevens

Some adults may have braces fitted for health reasons, but in many cases, it’s more to do with the aesthetic appearance of their teeth and smile.

Although fixed braces are still the most common choice, more and more adults are opting for clear aligners, like Invisalign, which let them straighten their teeth without it being so obvious.

One condition of having braces is that your teeth are in relatively good condition and you maintain good oral hygiene.

If your teeth have already been damaged by decay, you have gum disease, or you have had extensive restorative work such as crowns, you may not be able to have all types of orthodontic treatment. In this case, you could consider veneers or other cosmetic dental work to improve the appearance of your teeth.Check eligibility for Invisalign

Different types of braces

Wearing teeth braces as a teen can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, but worrying about the way you look doesn’t stop when you reach adulthood. If anything, you become more aware of your appearance. It’s natural to want to avoid the ‘train track’ look which makes it so obvious you’re undergoing orthodontic work.

In fact, many adults and teens are put off the idea of wearing braces because of how others may perceive them.

This is especially true if they have a professional appearance to maintain at work, or have a big event like a wedding or graduation coming up. Adults might also worry they’ll look immature if they wear braces.

Fortunately, conventional ‘metal mouth’ braces are no longer the only option for those wanting a perfect smile. Modern ceramic materials can be made to match your natural tooth colour, while clear aligners like Invisalign are almost impossible to detect. This draws much less attention to the fact that you are having your teeth straightened.

Below is a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of dental braces of different kinds. Following that you will find more detailed information to help you decide which type is right for you.

Invisible braces / Invisalign

Invisalign removable braces are a completely different alternative to conventional metal braces. They use a series of clear plastic aligners which fit over your teeth and guide them into their correct position over time.

The official term for this method of teeth straightening is ‘clear aligners’, however you’ll most often hear them referred to as ‘invisible’ or ‘removable’ braces. There are several brands of clear aligner braces in the UK, other examples being ClearCorrect and Smilelign, but Invisalign is arguably the best known and most established brand.

Invisalign also produce a special kind of aligner brace for teenagers. Invisalign Teen is designed with features specifically to help teenagers get the most out of wearing them.

This includes an indicator to show your dentist or orthodontist whether you’ve been wearing them enough! It’s also an alternative to uncomfortable twin block braces if your jaw needs to move forward.

Invisalign treatment is suitable for a wide range of orthodontic cases; in fact, 90% of people are suitable candidates for this type of brace. To find out if you’re one of them, you can fill in Invisalign’s handy Smile Assessment. It just takes two minutes to submit some simple information about your teeth and get an instant answer for free.Take your free Smile Assessment now

Invisalign treatment

If you choose Invisalign braces, your dentist or orthodontist will scan your mouth to create a 3D image of your teeth. This will then be used to plan your treatment. Your tailor-made aligners should be ready within a month of this initial consultation.

The treatment consists of a series of aligners which you change for another set every one to two weeks to gradually shift your teeth. You’ll need to go for a checkup every six weeks to see how your treatment is progressing. Unlike other treatments, there is no need to worry about emergency appointments to fix broken wires.

The average Invisalign treatment takes 12-18 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the degree of correction required. For milder cases, Invisalign Lite treatment can take just 6 months.

Following your treatment, you will be advised to wear a retainer to stop your teeth moving back to their previous position.

Invisalign braces are completely removable which means you can clean and floss your teeth as normal, decreasing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease while you’re wearing them.

However, they still need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Those few brace-free hours are for eating, drinking and cleaning, as the aligners are supposed to be removed to eat and drink anything except water. A positive side-effect of this reported by some Invisalign patients is improved eating habits with less snacking.

In short, Invisalign braces offer efficient and convenient teeth straightening that’s very hard for other people to notice. The fact that they cost roughly the same as other braces makes them the best type of braces for many adults and teens.

Our guide to invisible braces has more information on this treatment and costs. But if you’re interested in discussing your treatment further and getting a personal quotation, you can find your local Invisalign provider and book an appointment online by clicking on the button below.

Invisalign work with a wide network of dentists in the UK, so your nearest one may be closer than you realised. Most of them offer a free initial consultation with no strings attached.Find an Invisalign dentist near you

Metal braces

If you think there is only one type of metal teeth brace, you’re in for a surprise. Yes, traditional fixed braces are still around, and are probably the best option if you want cheap metal braces. But there are other styles to consider, which offer different benefits.

Traditional metal teeth braces

Even plain old metal fixed braces have come a long way from the ‘train tracks’ you or your parents may have experienced at school. They have become lighter, smaller and less noticeable as technology has improved.

Having these braces fitted takes 1-2 hours. The process itself shouldn’t hurt but it’s normal for teeth to feel sore after the initial fitting, and after each adjustment.

Treatment using a conventional fixed appliance usually takes 12-24 months. During this time you’ll be at increased risk of tooth decay so it’s important to take good care of your teeth and clean your braces carefully.

What are metal braces made of?

The metal brackets used in fixed metal braces are usually made from high-grade stainless steel, sometimes combined with titanium. These brackets are attached to each tooth and a flexible metal wire, made from stainless steel and other metals, is threaded through each one.

Small rubber bands or metal ties are used to secure the wire. By tightening the wire in different places, orthodontists can manoeuvre teeth into the desired position.

Other components of metal teeth braces may include:

• Larger rubber bands or chains used to connect different teeth (from top to bottom) and pull them in certain directions
• Metal bands (orthodontic bands) placed around some molars to help with straightening
• Some kind of headgear that must to be worn at night to aid treatment (usually only when significant correction is required)

For teens (and even some adults!) one bonus with this style of brace is you can choose the colour of elastic band used on each of the brackets. Coloured braces at least allow you to make a style statement while your teeth are being fixed. Another advantage is that metal fixed braces cost less than most other styles – and may be available on the NHS.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces are a different type of metal brace designed to make braces treatment faster and more comfortable. In terms of outward appearance, self-ligating braces are much the same as conventional styles in that they use a bracket and wire system.

However, the modern technology used means that no elastic bands or metal ties are required to keep the straightening archwire in place.

Some brands, such as Damon, have a clear option with transparent brackets for patients who are more image-conscious.

The self-tightening system used in Damon braces combined with advanced technology heat-activated wires mean that the process of aligning teeth is relatively gentle.

With traditional brackets, patients usually experience pain or discomfort after each adjustment, but self-ligating braces are constantly adjusting at a much steadier pace.

The lack of rubber bands in this style of brace means they are more hygienic, too. The brackets are designed to hold onto less food than the traditional style.

Self-ligating metal braces can also work faster than traditional styles because they are more efficient at moving teeth. This, along with the fact that they require fewer checkups with your orthodontist, makes them one of the more affordable braces for teeth.

Lingual braces

Another option for people who want to straighten their teeth inconspicuously is lingual braces. These are similar to traditional fixed metal braces for adults, except the fittings go behind the teeth, facing inwards, so are hardly noticeable from the outside.

These are also known as ‘hidden’ or ‘Incognito’ braces (which is actually a brand name). The brackets fixed to the inner surface of the teeth can be standard fittings, but they can also be moulded to the shape of each tooth individually. The latter option is, understandably, much more expensive.

These braces are still visible when the mouth is open wide, but it is not immediately obvious that the person is wearing them.

The awkward position of lingual brace brackets means they can be difficult to clean and adjustments are likely to take longer than with regular braces. They can also cause more severe speech problems due to their position in relation to the tongue.

Finally, these braces cost more than traditional styles – especially if the metal brace brackets are custom made to fit each tooth. So although they may be appealing at first glance, it’s worth considering the pros and cons carefully, especially when compared to clear aligners.

Ceramic braces

The brackets for ceramic braces are made from a material that’s either clear or the same colour as teeth, making them less obvious than conventional metal braces. The wire used to connect the brackets can also be tooth-coloured.

Because these work in the same way as traditional braces, they are just as effective. This does also mean that they carry the same potential for discomfort.

The main downside of clear or white braces is that the elastic bands used on them can stain easily if not cleaned properly. The material used also makes them more expensive than what metal braces cost on average.

For many people, ceramic braces provide a good balance between cost, speed and appearance. Transparent brace brackets are not noticeable from a distance and are less distracting close-up than metal braces. Treatment speeds can be comparable with clear aligner systems such as Invisalign.

Inman Aligners

Inman Aligners are similar to clear aligners as they are made from a clear plastic material, and are removable.

However, they are also made up of metal springs and bars which make them visible when worn. This also makes them quite bulky to wear as the clear plastic envelops the metal parts as well as covering your teeth.

These are suitable for people who only need to make small adjustments to their front few teeth. It isn’t possible to treat the entire mouth with this appliance, and the cost of Inman Aligners becomes less competitive with this in mind.

How much do braces cost in the UK?

The cost of braces in the UK is very wide-ranging. Private braces cost £1,500 to £5,000 for most people, with the average cost of metal braces for adults around £2,000 to £3,000. NHS braces for children up to age 18 are provided for free, if deemed medically necessary.

But UK braces prices can reach five figures, for example with custom lingual braces. Don’t panic though; whichever type you choose, there are ways you can make your braces more affordable.

NHS braces for adults and teens in the UK

If cost is your main concern, the first question to answer is “Can I get braces on the NHS?”

Orthodontia is free on the NHS for people up to age 18 who have a clear need for treatment. If you or your children are approaching this age and are considering teeth straightening, it’s well worth investigating NHS braces now to avoid paying private braces prices later on. You can read more about the eligibility criteria in our article on braces for kids.

Here is one teenager’s account of getting metal braces on the NHS, along with some tips for living with them:about:blank

Can adults get braces on the NHS? Usually not. Exceptions are only made in severe cases where orthodontic treatment is needed to avoid serious health problems later in life. You’ll need to visit your dentist to find out whether you may be eligible for adult braces on the NHS.

NHS braces for adults cost £282.80 in England (the Band 3 treatment fee for 2026/21 – see other NHS dental charges). This is significantly cheaper than the cost of private braces treatment in the UK, but very few adults are eligible for NHS braces treatment.

If you are deemed eligible, bear in mind that this NHS braces fee only covers the cost of metal braces for adults. Similarly, children being treated on the NHS will only be offered metal braces. Many people prefer to pay for private treatment in order to access a choice of less obvious styles for themselves or their child.

If you have private dental insurance, it’s worth checking whether orthodontic work is included. However, it’s unusual for basic dental insurance plans to cover the cost of braces and other cosmetic dentistry.

What do private braces cost in the UK?

The cost of braces for adults is one of the things that prevents many people from seeking treatment.

You’re not only paying for the materials used to create the appliance; you must also factor in the time it takes for your orthodontist to fit it and adjust it at each checkup. The price will depend on the style you choose and the length of treatment required, but usually private adult braces cost thousands of pounds.

Here you can see roughly how much different types of dental braces cost for adults and teens with private orthodontic treatment in the UK. These prices assume that both the upper and lower teeth are treated. Higher costs may apply if particularly complex work is required.

Since metal braces cost less than clear and white ceramic fittings, a common solution is to use ceramic or clear brackets for the top front teeth (which are most visible), then have cheaper metal braces on the remaining teeth which usually stay out of sight.

However, if you really don’t want it to be obvious that you’re wearing braces, clear aligners like Invisalign offer the best balance between appearance, cost and efficiency.

If you need help covering the cost of braces, there are various ways to finance dental work.

Finding an orthodontist with the best braces prices near you

First and foremost it is important to check if the dentists or orthodontists in your area are experienced, well qualified, and have opening hours to suit you. Asking family and friends for a recommendation is also a good idea.

Braces prices in the UK will vary across different regions and from one dentist to another, so it’s worth shopping around to get an idea of costs.

An orthodontist won’t be able to provide a final quote until they have examined your teeth during a consultation, which may itself incur a small fee. Many dentists offer payment plans to make treatment more affordable.

Be sure to check exactly what is included in your quotation and what you’ll have to pay for separately. Consider things like tooth extractions, retainers, mouthguards, and ongoing checkups after your braces are removed.

Also remember that you’ll need to travel to your dentist for regular checkups, so it’s more convenient to find one located near your home or office. If you’re interested in Invisalign braces, you can search for your local Invisalign dentist here – they have a wide-reaching network so you shouldn’t have to travel too far.

What are the alternatives to braces for teeth straightening?

In most cases, it’s possible to realign teeth without having metal glued to them – which is what most people consider braces to be. Clear aligners are one way to do this. Remember, you can check whether you’re a suitable candidate for Invisalign with a free, no-obligation online Smile Assessment. 90% of cases can be treated in this way, without the need for metal braces.

However, some people want to avoid braces altogether, can’t visit a dentist’s office regularly, or simply can’t afford the treatment. Fortunately, there are other ways to straighten teeth without braces – at least in certain cases.

It may be possible to use a dental retainer to correct minor problems such as overcrowded teeth, for instance. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth, and composite bonding may also help in some cases.

Then there is the option of home teeth aligner kits, which are usually cheaper than getting braces at the dentist but have some limitations and risks.