How Much Do Braces Cost?
Orthodontic treatment is more than just an improvement to your facial aesthetics - it’s an investment in your long-term oral health. Whilst some children and teenagers can benefit from free NHS braces, adults will need to pay for private treatment. This treatment is also available for children under 18, offering faster access to care and a wider range of treatment options.
However, how much do braces cost from a private orthodontist, and what factors can affect those prices? This article will explore everything you need to know about the cost of braces in the UK, the different types of braces available, and the various finance and repayment options available to help you cover the treatment cost.
How Much Will Braces Cost You?
Braces are a suitable form of orthodontic treatment for adults and children alike, and they can come in many different forms. Let’s take a look at how much each type costs:
Metallic Fixed Braces
These are the most common and cheapest form of braces, and perhaps the most widely recognisable. Traditional metallic braces sit on the outside of your teeth, using wires and brackets to gently reposition teeth over time.
Average Cost: £2,295 - £3,835
Ceramic Fixed Braces
A more discreet option compared to metallic braces, ceramic braces use tooth-coloured brackets that work in the same way as their traditional counterparts. These are sometimes referred to as “clear braces” - not to be confused with clear aligners (mentioned later)!
Average Cost: £2,845 - £4,490
Lingual “Incognito” Fixed Braces
Lingual braces are the most discreet option; they’re applied behind the teeth, rather than in front. Not all clinics offer these, but at Accessible Orthodontics, our Specialist Orthodontist Dr Orolloga is a certified “Elite” provider of these braces!
Average Cost: £3,725 - £8,825
How Much Will Aligners Cost You?
Much like braces, clear aligners are another popular and successful form of treatment for adults, teenagers, and kids. Let’s take a look at how much aligners cost:
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign is the most popular aligner brand worldwide; they are clear plastic trays that sit over your teeth, applying pressure to push them back into the correct position. Invisalign aligners have been designed with maximum comfort in mind, offering a discreet alternative to braces.
Average Cost: £3,015 - £5,045
Angel Aligners
Another of the world’s most popular aligner systems, Angel aligners are proficient at treating even the most complex of orthodontic cases. They work in the same way as Invisalign, although Angel aligners are slightly thinner and feature anti-staining technology.
Average Cost: £3,015 - £4,865
How Much Do Braces Cost for Adults?
Braces for adults typically cost more than braces for children, since the jawbone has fully developed, increasing the length of treatment since more check-ups are needed. The most simple of treatments for adults using metal braces often start from around £2,300 but can range up to almost £9,000 for specialist lingual braces.
How Much Do Braces Cost for Kids?
On the whole, braces are typically cheaper for kids since their jawbones are still developing, making treatment more straightforward. This also means that the treatment length is shorter, which also contributes to a reduction in costs. Across the board, our treatment is 10% cheaper for under 18s - but not all other clinics will be the same.
Can You Get Free Braces on the NHS?
Free braces are available on the NHS, but eligibility criteria are strict - you must be under the age of 18 and qualify through the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN), as outlined in our dedicated article on qualifying for NHS braces. The prospect of free braces is attractive to many parents, but it is worth noting that the waiting list is up to 2 years in some areas, meaning some teenagers may miss out if they turn 18 in the meantime.
Untreated orthodontic issues can worsen over time, and you can end up having to pay more for orthodontic treatment than if you had chosen private care to begin with, rather than try to get free braces on the NHS. Although this isn’t common, it does happen.
What Repayment Plans Are Available?
Although the total price of treatment may seem expensive, there are many ways in which orthodontic practices help patients handle these costs. It is important to note that not all practices will offer these - they are based on our repayment options at Accessible Orthodontics. Here’s what is available:
Upfront Payments
Some patients prefer to pay their treatment amount in full at the beginning so that there are no lasting costs that need to be paid. Some practices offer a discount on the treatment for those who pay in full. For example, we offer a 5% saving to our adult patients and 10% for our patients under 18 who pay upfront for their treatments.
Deposit and Instalments
Another repayment option is to pay an agreed deposit at the beginning of treatment, followed by 12 equal instalments over 12 months (or as discussed with your orthodontist).
Interest-Free Finance
Interest-free finance is a flexible and attractive option for many patients, with no deposit needed. Therefore, some practices will offer this through a partner finance company, such as Tabeo Finance. Repayments are typically spread over 12 to 15 months.
Interest-Bearing Finance
Some orthodontic practices will also offer interest-bearing finance using an external finance company, without the need for a deposit. This financing is usually spread over a longer period, such as 18, 24, or 30 months.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Braces?
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, meaning no two practices will charge the same. Let’s take a look at what might influence the price of treatment:
Type of Treatment
Starting with perhaps the most obvious answer, the type of braces or aligners that you choose will ultimately determine how much you’ll need to pay. Metallic braces are the least specialised and widely available, whereas Lingual braces are the most specialised, precision-crafted to fit your teeth and arch shape perfectly.
Length of Treatment
Lengthier treatment, usually due to larger issues that need rectifying, will cost more than routine orthodontic needs. However, if you have a severe orthodontic problem, receiving treatment has long-term cost savings, so we recommend you get in touch with a specialist.
Geographic Location
Your location will also determine the price of the treatment. For example, practices in larger urban areas such as London or Manchester will cost the most, compared to smaller, less densely populated areas.
Experience of the Orthodontist
The most qualified, specialist orthodontists typically cost more; you’re paying for the best service from a trained professional who has undergone many years of additional training!
How Do You Choose the Right Treatment?
To find the right treatment for your needs, you’ll need an in-depth orthodontic assessment to determine the extent of your overbite, underbite, or other related issues. At Accessible Orthodontics, this assessment is free for under 18s, and £125 for adults - other clinics may charge more.
Once this assessment has concluded, your orthodontist will discuss the recommended treatment types and lengths. Once you’re happy to proceed, your treatment plan will be created and put into practice.
Contact Us for Expert Treatment and Flexible Payments!
If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment in and around the Oxford area, look no further than Accessible Orthodontics. Our practice has been a fixture in the heart of the city since 2005, successfully treating patients with a wide range of different orthodontic problems - from mild overcrowding to more severe overbites.
To get started with us, please get in touch to arrange a FREE initial consultation - either in person or via a video call. We look forward to hearing from you.
