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Complete 2025 UK braces cost guide. Compare private braces costs for metal, ceramic, Invisalign and lingual options. NHS orthodontic costs and finance plans included.
Thinking about getting braces? Understanding how much braces cost in the UK is probably a key consideration – and it’s a valid one. Getting braces can be genuinely life-changing, boosting your confidence and improving your oral health. But they do require a considerable investment of time and money.
So what’s the average cost of braces in 2025? In the UK, you’re typically looking at somewhere between £1,800 and £8,000 for private treatment, depending on the type of braces and other factors. This complete 2025 cost guide breaks down the current braces costs across different types, from traditional braces to nearly invisible options. The final cost of your braces will depend on how complex your case is.
Read on to learn more…
When it comes to braces done privately, the cost of treatment can range between approximately £1,800 and £8,000 or more for comprehensive care. Now, you might be wondering about braces costs in London specifically. While some people assume braces in London come with a hefty premium, prices for braces in the UK are generally consistent across regions. That said, London prices can sit at the higher end of the national range due to operational overheads in the capital.
So what affects the cost? Three main factors define your overall treatment cost:
Understanding these variables helps you get a clearer picture of your potential outlay.
Next, we’ll consider the different types of braces available and what you can expect to pay at private clinics across the UK this year.
Note: Hampstead Orthodontic Practice’s price ranges are listed towards the end of this blog.
This remains the most effective and most affordable braces option. Traditional metal braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually shift your teeth into place. For private treatment, teeth braces like these typically cost from £1,800 for a single arch and rise to around £4,200 for dual arch treatment. They might not be the most discreet option, but they’re reliable workhorses that get the job done.
If you’re after something a bit less noticeable, ceramic braces offer a tooth-coloured alternative. Ceramic braces costs start at around £2,500 for a single arch and can reach £4,500 for dual arches. Damon Braces, which are self-ligating (meaning they don’t need elastic ties), are typically priced slightly higher at around £4,975 for dual arches. Both options blend more naturally with your teeth while still providing the effectiveness of fixed braces.
Although these braces are stylistically like traditional braces, they are undetectable, featuring opaque brackets that are tooth-coloured to match everyone’s individual. Symetri Clear Braces are made from a sapphire material, making them resistant to stains and discolouration. Throughout the duration of orthodontic treatment, these braces will stay clear and look great. Typically, it’ll cost between £2,475 and £5,000 for full dual-arch treatment.
Clear aligners have become incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re removable and nearly invisible, making them a favourite for adults and image-conscious teens. The cost of aligners for teeth varies depending on complexity:
The beauty of clear aligners is their flexibility. You can remove them for eating and special occasions, though you’ll need to wear them for at least 22 hours daily for best results.
For complete invisibility, lingual braces, like Incognito, are fitted behind your teeth where no one can see them. This hidden placement makes them the most expensive option, with typical dual arch treatment ranging from £3,200 up to £8,000. The premium price reflects the specialist expertise required to fit and adjust braces behind the teeth, but if discretion is your top priority, they’re worth considering.
OrthoPulse is a mouthpiece used in conjunction with orthodontic treatments such as braces. The device, which is worn at home for about 20 minutes daily, speeds up tooth movement during orthodontic treatment but requires an existing braces or aligner treatment to function properly. Costs range between £1,150 to £1,450 in a private clinic.
While NHS braces are free for eligible under-18s who meet clinical need criteria based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), significant limitations often make private treatment necessary.
Even when children qualify, NHS waiting lists can extend up to two years in some areas, prompting many families to seek private care for timely treatment.
For adults, NHS orthodontic treatment is exceptionally rare and only available in cases of medical necessity. The combination of limited adult eligibility, lengthy waiting times for children, and restricted treatment options (usually only traditional metal braces) means most patients seeking orthodontic care − whether for cosmetic reasons, faster treatment, or more advanced options like clear aligners − will need to pursue private treatment, which does cost more.
Your orthodontist’s experience and skill play a significant role in pricing. Remember you’re not just paying for the braces; you’re investing in specialist expertise in diagnosing complex tooth movements, creating a tailored treatment plan and expertly executing it over months or years.
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though this varies. Longer treatments naturally require more appointments and adjustments, which impacts the overall cost of braces.
Know that your braces journey doesn’t end when the braces come off. Retainers are essential to maintain your new smile. While the cost of braces usually includes the initial appliance, retainers are typically an additional expense. Retainer costs can range from £110 to £400, depending on the type.
The best way to get an accurate quote for braces is through a personal consultation. Every mouth is different, and your oral health needs are unique. A face-to-face assessment allows your orthodontist to evaluate your specific situation and provide a precise figure.
At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, we’re committed to providing high-quality care at competitive pricing. As a private London clinic, we understand that transparency matters when you're making this kind of investment.
We offer a range of popular teeth straightening solutions:
At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, we acknowledge that orthodontic care is a significant investment, and we’re committed to ensuring finances don’t stand in the way of you receiving high-quality care. That’s why we offer:
You shouldn’t have to choose between your oral health and your bank balance. These financial options make private treatment and achieving a straighter smile much more financially manageable.
Getting dental braces is a worthwhile investment that goes beyond aesthetics. It enhances your confidence, improves your oral health, and can even help with issues like jaw pain and uneven tooth wear.
Whether you’re looking at the cost of adult braces or exploring options for your child or teen, we provide solutions for both complex corrections and minor adjustments. The beauty of offering multiple braces available is that we can tailor braces treatment to your lifestyle, budget and aesthetic preferences.
Book a FREE consultation today to receive a personalised cost estimate and start your braces journey with confidence.
Private braces typically cost between £1,800 and £8,000, depending on the type of braces and complexity of your case.
Traditional metal braces are the most affordable, while lingual braces like Incognito are the most expensive (up to £8,000).
NHS braces are free for under-18s who meet clinical need criteria, but waiting lists can be up to two years. Adult NHS treatment is extremely rare and only available for medical necessity.
Three main factors: the type of braces chosen, complexity of your case and treatment duration (typically 12 to 24 months).
Yes, many private clinics, including ours, offer flexible financing options. We offer 0% interest-free payment plans with monthly or quarterly instalments.
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