How Much Do Braces Cost in the UK 2026?
Typically braces can cost anywhere from £2,295 for traditional metal braces to £8,825 for lingual braces. The cost of braces depends on the type of brace or aligners you have and your orthodontic needs.
A straighter smile isn't just about looking good; it's about protecting your long-term oral health. While some children and teens may qualify for free NHS braces, waiting lists can be lengthy, and adults aren't eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment.
Many families consider private orthodontic care to avoid long NHS waiting times. Private treatment also offers more choice over treatment types and can often start more quickly.
Private orthodontic practices, such as Accessible Orthodontics, typically offer payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment, making it more financially manageable for families.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- The cost of different types of braces in the UK
- How children’s and adults’ prices compare
- The flexible finance options (including interest-free monthly payments) that make treatment achievable for every budget
Interested in teeth straightening? Book your free consultation today to discuss your treatment options.
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:
Fixed Metal Braces (Train Track Braces)
Train Track Braces are the most common and cheapest form of braces, and perhaps the most widely recognisable. Traditional metal 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 metal 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 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 invisible braces!
Average Cost: £3,725 - £8,825
How Much Will Aligners Cost You?
Much like braces, clear aligners are another popular and successful treatment option 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 children 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. Although this isn’t common, it does happen.
Flexible Payment Plans: Making Braces Affordable for Everyone
We know the total price of orthodontic treatment can feel daunting at first glance – but the reality is, most of our patients don’t pay upfront. With our flexible payment plans, you can spread the cost in a way that works for you, often for less than the price of a daily coffee.
Here’s how you can pay for your new smile with Accessible Orthodontics:
Pay in Full (and Save)
Prefer to get everything out of the way at once? Some practices offer a discount on the treatment for those who pay in full. For example, with us, you can pay for your treatment upfront and enjoy a 5% saving for adults or 10% for under-18s. Many families choose this option to take advantage of the discount.
Deposit & Instalments
Start with a deposit, then spread the rest over 12 equal monthly instalments. A simple way to break down the cost into manageable amounts. Below is an example breakdown.
| Treatment Type | Total Cost (average) | Deposit | Month Installments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | £2,295 – £3,835 | £975 - £1,435 | £110 - £200 |
| Ceramic Braces | £2,845 – £4,490 | £1,105 - £1,610 | £145 - £240 |
| Invisalign Aligners | £3,015 – £5,045 | £1,295 - £1,925 | £230 - £260 |
| Angel Aligners | £3,015 – £4,865 | £1,255 - £1,865 | £220 - £250 |
| Lingual Braces | £3,725 – £8,825 | £1,085 - £3,255 | £220 - £470 |
0% Interest Finance (Most Popular)
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.
For Accessible Orthodontics, this is our most popular option. With no deposit and no interest, you can start treatment straight away and pay in small monthly amounts over 3, 6, 10, or 12 months.
Here’s what that looks like:
| Treatment Type | Total Cost (average) | From per month (0% finance) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | £2,295 – £3,835 | from £192/month |
| Ceramic Braces | £2,845 – £4,490 | from £238/month |
| Invisalign Aligners | £3,015 – £5,045 | from £252/month |
| Angel Aligners | £3,015 – £4,865 | from £252/month |
| Lingual Braces | £3,725 – £8,825 | from £311/month |
(Monthly costs shown are based on 12-month, 0% finance plans. Actual payments depend on your treatment plan.)
Longer-Term Finance (Interest-Bearing)
Need even smaller monthly payments? Some orthodontic practices will also offer interest-bearing finance with longer repayment terms (18–30 months). This is ideal if you’d like to spread the cost further, without paying a large deposit.
Most patients are surprised by how affordable braces can be. Book your free consultation today and we’ll create a personalised payment plan that works for your budget – so you can start treatment without delay.
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 £135 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.
