Short answer
Private braces in London typically start from about £2,800 for metal braces in outer London and £3,650 in central London, based on one London orthodontic group’s published fees (checked October 2026). Clear ceramic braces start from about £3,150–£4,000 and lingual braces from about £4,800 to £9,870. Your quote depends on case complexity and what is included.
Braces (fixed orthodontic appliances) are brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire that applies gentle, continuous pressure to move the teeth into a better position over a number of months.
If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, cost is usually the first question. London has some of the highest orthodontic fees in the UK, but prices vary a lot between practices and between central and outer London. This guide sets out typical private prices for each type of brace, what drives the cost, and the extras that are easy to miss.
Key takeaways
- Private metal braces in London start from around £2,800 in outer London and £3,650 in central London (published fees, October 2026).
- Clear aligners start from roughly £2,650–£2,800; lingual braces from about £4,800 up to £9,870+.
- Under-18s with a significant clinical need can get braces free on the NHS. Most adults pay privately.
- Always check whether retainers, refinements and emergency visits are included.
How much does each type of brace cost in London?
The figures below come from one London orthodontic group’s published fee guide, which lists prices for both its central London practice and its outer London branches in Teddington and Richmond. They are “from” prices: a simple case will be near the bottom of the range and a complex one higher.
| Treatment | Central London, from | Outer 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 clear braces | £3,770 | £2,850 |
| Child / teen aligners | £2,760 | £2,500 |
Source: The London Orthodontic Group published fee guide (londonlovesbraces.com), checked 4 October 2026. "From" prices; your quote depends on your case.
Two things stand out. First, location matters: the same group charges hundreds of pounds more in central London than in its outer London branches for most fixed braces, and over £5,000 more for lingual braces. Second, aligners are not always the expensive option. For straightforward cases, aligner prices can be similar to or lower than fixed braces.
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Request a consultationWhat affects the price of braces?
Complexity. Mild crowding or a small gap can be treated quickly. A deep bite, severe crowding, missing teeth or a jaw discrepancy takes longer and needs more appointments, which costs more.
Type of appliance. Metal braces are generally the cheapest fixed option. Ceramic brackets cost more to make. Lingual braces are custom-made for the back of each tooth and need more chair time, which is why they are the most expensive.
Treatment length. Many fixed-brace treatments take around 18 to 24 months. Longer treatment means more adjustment visits.
Who treats you. Specialist orthodontists (on the GDC Specialist List) and practices in prime central locations often charge more than general dentists offering aligners. A higher fee doesn’t automatically mean better care, but for complex cases the specialist training is worth paying for.
Location. Central London rents and staff costs are reflected in fees. If you can travel, outer London practices are often cheaper for the same treatment.
NHS vs private braces: who qualifies?
NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s who meet the clinical threshold, assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). In general, children qualify if their need is graded 4 or 5, or grade 3 with a high score for appearance. Treatment for mainly cosmetic reasons isn’t provided on the NHS, and waiting lists in parts of London can be long.
Adults rarely qualify for NHS orthodontics. Where they do, it is usually for severe problems treated in hospital, sometimes alongside jaw surgery, and NHS charges apply unless you are exempt. Our guide to NHS braces for adults explains the rules in detail.
Hidden extras: retainers, refinements and emergencies
A low headline price can hide extra costs. Before you sign up, ask whether the quote includes:
- Consultation and records. One London group charges £140–£145 for an adult consultation with 3D imaging; others do not charge for a first consultation.
- Retainers. After braces, you need retainers to stop teeth moving back. Replacement removable retainers cost around £110–£145 each and bonded (fixed) retainers around £350–£500, based on the same published fee guide.
- Refinements. With aligners, extra trays are sometimes needed at the end. Some packages include them; others charge.
- Breakages and emergency visits. Find out whether repairs to brackets or wires are covered.
- Retention checks. Some practices include a year of follow-up; others charge per visit or offer a retainer plan.
Paying monthly: finance and payment plans
Many London practices let you pay a deposit and spread the rest over the course of treatment, and some offer interest-free credit through a third-party lender, subject to status. Check the total amount payable, whether the plan is regulated credit, and what happens if your treatment runs over the expected time. Do not let a monthly figure distract you from comparing the total price and what it includes.
How should you compare braces quotes?
Ask each practice for a written treatment plan with the total fee, the expected length of treatment, the number of appointments, what is included, and who will actually carry out the treatment. Check the clinician on the GDC register. A good practice will explain the risks, such as root shortening, gum problems and relapse if retainers are not worn, as well as the benefits.
Get a personalised quote
The only way to know what your treatment will cost is an examination. You can request a consultation through our matching service and a vetted, GDC-registered London practice will contact you. Read more about orthodontists in London and your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
How much do adult braces cost in the UK?
Is it worth paying for braces?
Are clear aligners cheaper than braces?
Do braces cost more in central London?
Sources
Facts and prices in this guide come from the following sources (checked 4 October 2026):
- londonlovesbraces.com (londonlovesbraces.com)
- GDC register (olr.gdc-uk.org)
Related guides
Next step
Get matched with a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and one vetted, GDC-registered practice will contact you to arrange a consultation.
Request a consultationThis guide is general information, not clinical advice. Treatment suitability, length and cost can only be confirmed by a GDC-registered dentist or specialist orthodontist after an examination.