Woman with a confident, natural smile, representing treatment from an orthodontist in London

Invisalign · Braces · Retainers

Orthodontists London

Orthodontists London provides private orthodontic treatment for adults, teenagers and children: Invisalign and clear aligners, metal and ceramic braces, lingual braces and retainers. Request a consultation online and we will arrange a time that suits you.

GDC-registered cliniciansCQC-registered practicesAdults, teens & childrenAll 32 boroughs

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See an orthodontist in London

Tell us who the treatment is for and what you would like to change, and we will be in touch to arrange your orthodontic consultation. It takes two short steps, and there is no obligation to go ahead with treatment.

  • Treatment by GDC-registered dentists and specialist orthodontists
  • Practices registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
  • Invisalign, clear aligners, fixed and lingual braces
  • Written treatment plan and fee before you commit

Prefer to read first? Our guides cover what braces cost in London, Invisalign prices and braces for adults.

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Where to start

Why choose Orthodontists London

What is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed several further years of full-time specialist training in straightening teeth and correcting bites, and is listed on the General Dental Council’s Specialist List in Orthodontics. General dentists can also provide some orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners.

Straightening your teeth is a big decision, and it usually involves months of appointments and a significant fee. We keep it simple: a thorough examination, an honest view of every suitable option, and a written plan with the total cost before anything starts. Whether you want discreet aligners for work, braces for a teenager or a fix for teeth that have moved since childhood treatment, the first step is the same consultation.

Specialist orthodontist or general dentist?

Every dentist in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Some complete several further years of full-time training and join the GDC’s Specialist List in Orthodontics; only they can call themselves specialist orthodontists. General dentists can also provide some treatment, most often clear aligners, which can suit simple cases. For complex bites, impacted teeth or children’s jaw growth, a specialist is usually the better choice. You can check any clinician for free on the GDC online register.

Asking for a specialist

If you would prefer to be seen by a specialist orthodontist, say so in the form and we will arrange your consultation accordingly.

Clear aligners

Invisalign London: clear aligner treatment

Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners: a series of thin, removable, custom-made trays that move your teeth in small, planned steps. It is the treatment most working adults ask us about first, because the aligners are hard to notice and can be taken out to eat, brush and for important occasions.

How aligner treatment works

We take a 3D scan of your teeth and plan each movement digitally, so you can see the expected result before you start. You wear each set of aligners for about 22 hours a day, change to the next set every week or two, and come in for check-ups every few weeks. Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments are often bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip. Treatment often takes from about 6 to 18 months.

Who aligners suit

Aligners work well for many cases of mild to moderate crowding, spacing and some bite problems, and for adults whose teeth have shifted after earlier braces. More complex movements may still be better treated with fixed braces. Aligners only work if you wear them, so be honest with yourself about the routine. An in-person examination is the only way to know whether you are suitable. See what to expect from an Invisalign quote in London.

Modern orthodontic treatment room with a dental chair

Fixed appliances

Braces in London: metal, ceramic and lingual

Fixed braces remain the most versatile option and suit almost every case, including complex bite corrections. They work around the clock, without relying on you to put them back in.

Metal braces

Small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and joined by a wire. Usually the lowest-cost option and very efficient for difficult movements.

Ceramic (clear) braces

Tooth-coloured brackets that are much less noticeable, at a slightly higher fee. They need good cleaning to avoid staining.

Lingual (hidden) braces

Custom brackets fitted behind the teeth, so they are virtually invisible from the front: the most discreet fixed option. Read about lingual braces costs, pros and cons.

Compare braces

Types of braces, costs and treatment times

Braces in London typically cost from £2,800 to £3,650 for metal braces, £3,150 to £4,000 for clear ceramic braces and £4,800 to £9,870 for lingual braces, and most fixed-brace treatment takes 18 to 24 months. The right choice depends on your bite, how visible you are happy for treatment to be, and your budget.

Braces in London: types, typical prices and treatment times (2026)
TypeTypical London priceTypical time
Metal braces£2,800–£3,65018–24 months
Clear (ceramic) braces£3,150–£4,00018–24 months
Lingual braces (hidden)£4,800–£9,87018–24 months
Clear aligners (for comparison)£2,650–£2,8006–18 months

Which braces suit which problems?

Metal and ceramic braces can treat almost any case, including deep bites, large overjets, rotated teeth and impacted canines, because they work around the clock and give precise control. Lingual braces treat many of the same problems but cost more because every bracket is custom-made. Aligners suit mild to moderate crowding and spacing well; for more complex movements we often recommend fixed braces.

Appointments and looking after your braces

Fixed braces are checked every 6 to 10 weeks, when the wire is adjusted or changed. In between, careful brushing around each bracket, interdental brushes and avoiding hard or sticky foods keep teeth healthy and treatment on schedule. Retainers are fitted when the braces come off.

For a full breakdown of fees, extras and finance, read our guide to braces in London and what they cost.

Fees

Orthodontist prices in London (2026)

Private orthodontic treatment in London typically costs from £2,650 for Invisalign and £2,800–£3,650 for metal braces, rising to £4,800–£9,870 for lingual braces. Fees depend on the appliance, how complex your case is and where you are treated, so these typical private “from” prices are a realistic starting point before your consultation.

Typical private orthodontic fees in London
Treatment (private)Central London, fromOuter London, from
Adult metal braces£3,650£2,800
Adult clear (ceramic) braces£4,000£3,150
Adult Invisalign aligners£2,650£2,800
Adult lingual braces£9,870£4,800
Child metal braces£3,420£2,500
Child interceptive (early) treatment£2,180£1,200
Upper and lower bonded retainers£500£450

What changes your quote

The biggest factors are complexity, the type of appliance, treatment length and what is included, such as retainers, refinement aligners and breakage repairs. Treatment can usually be spread with a deposit and monthly payments, subject to status. You will always get the total fee in writing before you start. For a fuller breakdown, read our guide to braces costs in London.

Compare every treatment

Filter all of our typical fees by treatment type and by central or outer London.

Every age

Adult orthodontics and teen braces

Orthodontic treatment for adults

Adults now make up a large share of private orthodontic patients. Ceramic braces, lingual braces and aligners are popular with people who do not want treatment to get in the way of work. Teeth move in much the same way at 40 as at 15, but adults are more likely to have gum issues, missing teeth or crowns, so a thorough check comes first. Find out more about adult braces options and treatment times.

Braces for children and teenagers

Children are usually assessed once most adult teeth have come through, often around 11 to 12, although earlier checks help if there is a jaw growth or crowding problem. Under-18s with a significant clinical need may qualify for free NHS treatment through their dentist. If they do not qualify, or you would rather not wait, private treatment is available. Our guide to NHS braces eligibility explains the rules for children and adults.

Your first visit

Your orthodontic consultation

  1. Discussion. What bothers you about your teeth, your dental history and what you want to achieve.
  2. Examination. A check of your teeth, gums and bite, usually with photos, a 3D scan and X-rays where needed.
  3. Options and plan. Every suitable treatment, how long each takes, the risks and a written fee.
  4. Time to decide. No pressure to start on the day. Take the plan home and think it over.

Conditions

Problems our orthodontists treat

  • Crowding: not enough space, so teeth overlap or twist. The most common reason adults come to us, and it often worsens with age.
  • Spacing: gaps between teeth, including a gap between the front teeth.
  • Overjet: upper front teeth that stick out and are more likely to be damaged in a fall.
  • Deep bite: upper teeth that cover too much of the lower teeth.
  • Underbite and crossbite: lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth, which can cause uneven wear.
  • Open bite: front teeth that do not meet when you bite together.
  • Relapse: teeth that have moved back after earlier treatment because retainers were not worn.

Some of these can be corrected with aligners alone; others need fixed braces or, for jaw-related problems, orthodontics combined with surgery. That decision is made after examining you, not by an online quiz.

Retainers and aftercare

Treatment does not end when the braces come off. Teeth tend to drift, so we fit retainers to hold the result: a removable retainer worn at night, a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth, or both. Orthodontic treatment is very common and generally safe, but it is not risk-free: poor cleaning around brackets can cause white marks or decay, and gums can become inflamed. We explain the risks, and how to avoid them, before you start.

What to look for

Choosing an orthodontist in London

A good orthodontist explains every suitable option, not just the one they sell most, and gives you a written plan and fee before you commit. This is what you can expect from us.

Registration

Your clinician is on the GDC register, and specialist claims match the GDC Specialist List. Practices are registered with the CQC, and you can read their latest reports on cqc.org.uk.

Clear fees

A written quote showing the total fee and what it includes: records, retainers, refinements, breakages and follow-up visits. No pressure to start on the day.

Honest advice

No “guaranteed results” or time-limited offers. Risks such as relapse and gum problems are explained up front, along with what happens if treatment runs longer than planned.

Questions worth asking at any consultation

  • Are you on the GDC Specialist List in Orthodontics? If not, what orthodontic training do you have?
  • What are all my options, and why do you recommend this one?
  • How long will treatment take, and how often will I need appointments?
  • What is the total fee, and what does it include?
  • Which retainers are included, and what do replacements cost?

Coverage

Orthodontic treatment across London

We cover the whole of London, including Harley Street and Marylebone, Kensington and Chelsea, the City, Canary Wharf, Islington, Wimbledon, Richmond and Croydon. Fixed braces usually need a visit every 6 to 10 weeks, so a location near home or work makes treatment much easier. Choose your preferred area in the form and we will arrange your consultation to suit.

See the full list of boroughs we cover.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does an orthodontist cost in London?
Private treatment in London typically starts from around £2,650 for clear aligners and £2,800 for metal braces, rising to £3,650 or more for metal braces and £4,000 for ceramic braces at central practices. Lingual braces start from about £4,800. Your written quote depends on how complex your case is and what is included.
How much does Invisalign cost in London?
Adult Invisalign usually starts from around £2,650 to £2,800. Simple cases needing fewer aligners cost less than complex ones, and the quote should say whether refinements and retainers are included. Our Invisalign cost guide explains what to compare.
Is 25 too late to get braces?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, and many of our patients are adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Adult treatment can take a little longer, and keeping the result means wearing retainers long term.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?
Not for private treatment. You can request a consultation directly using our online form. If you think your child may qualify for free NHS treatment, ask your NHS dentist about a referral.
Is an orthodontist more qualified than a dentist?
A specialist orthodontist is a dentist who has completed several further years of full-time specialist training and is on the General Dental Council’s Specialist List in Orthodontics. General dentists can also provide some treatments, such as aligners. If you would like to see a specialist, tell us in the form.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Many fixed-brace treatments take around 18 to 24 months, while clear aligner treatment often takes from about 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. You will get an estimate for your own teeth at your consultation.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes, in most cases treatment can be spread with a deposit and monthly payments, subject to status. Your consultation includes a written quote showing the total fee, so you can compare the monthly figure with the full cost.
Is it worth getting braces as an adult?
For most adults, yes. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, bite problems can cause uneven wear, and many adults simply want to feel more confident when they smile. Treatment usually takes 6 to 24 months, and discreet options such as ceramic braces, lingual braces and aligners make it easier to fit around work.
How painful are braces?
Braces are not usually painful, but most people feel pressure and aching for a few days after they are fitted and after each adjustment. Soft food and over-the-counter pain relief help, and orthodontic wax stops brackets rubbing the cheeks while your mouth gets used to them, usually within a week or two.

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