Clear and Ceramic Braces: Cost and Who They Suit
Clear ceramic braces typically cost £2,500 to £4,000 in the UK, and in London they start from about £3,150 at outer London practices and £4,000 centrally, which is usually £350 to £500 more than metal braces. They work in the same way as metal braces but use tooth-coloured or translucent brackets, so they are much harder to notice.
| Treatment | Typical UK price | London price, from | How visible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult clear (ceramic) braces | £2,500–£4,000 | £3,150 outer, £4,000 central | Low |
| Child clear braces | £2,300–£3,500 | £2,850 outer, £3,770 central | Low |
| Adult metal braces (for comparison) | £2,000–£3,500 | £2,800 outer, £3,650 central | Visible |
| Adult clear aligners (for comparison) | £1,500–£5,500 | £2,650 | Very low |
| Adult lingual braces (for comparison) | £4,500–£9,000+ | £4,800 outer, £9,870 central | Hidden |
These are typical private fees for a full course of treatment. At Orthodontists London we fit ceramic braces for adults and teenagers, and we give you the total fee in writing after examining your teeth.
What are clear braces?
"Clear braces" usually means ceramic fixed braces: brackets made from tooth-coloured or translucent ceramic, bonded to the front of the teeth and joined by a wire. The wire can be standard metal, or tooth-coloured or frosted to blend in. The brackets are held to the wire with clear or white elastic ties, or with a built-in clip on self-ligating ceramic brackets.
The term is sometimes also used for clear aligners such as Invisalign, which are removable plastic trays rather than fixed braces. This guide covers ceramic fixed braces. Our Invisalign cost guide covers aligners.
Compare typical fees for every treatment, in central and outer London, in our London Invisalign and braces price index.
How much do ceramic braces cost?
Across the UK, adult ceramic braces typically cost £2,500 to £4,000 for a full course of treatment. In London, typical fees start from £3,150 in outer London and £4,000 in central London. Child and teen ceramic braces start from about £2,850 in outer London and £3,770 centrally.
The extra cost compared with metal comes from the brackets themselves, which are more expensive to make, and from slightly more care when fitting and removing them. The rest of the fee covers the same things as any fixed brace: diagnosis and planning, adjustment visits every 6 to 10 weeks for 18 to 24 months, removal and retainers.
Check what the quote includes. Ask about breakages, emergency visits and retainers. In London, upper and lower bonded retainers cost about £450–£500 and replacement removable retainers about £110–£145 each if they are not included.
Who are ceramic braces best for?
Ceramic braces suit people who want fixed treatment without obvious metal. They are a common choice for:
- Working adults who want a discreet option but do not want the responsibility of wearing aligners 22 hours a day.
- Cases aligners do not treat well, such as significant rotations or bite corrections, where fixed braces are more predictable.
- Teenagers who prefer a subtler look than metal and are happy to avoid staining foods.
- People who would lose or forget aligners, because fixed braces cannot be left in a drawer.
They are less suitable where the lower front teeth would bite against upper ceramic brackets, because ceramic is harder than enamel and can wear the opposing teeth. In those cases we may use ceramic brackets on the upper teeth and metal on the lower teeth, where they are much less visible.
Do clear braces stain?
The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining well. The clear elastic ties are more likely to pick up colour from coffee, tea, red wine, curry, turmeric, cola and smoking. Because the ties are changed at every adjustment appointment, any staining is temporary. To keep them looking clear:
- Brush after meals, or at least rinse with water.
- Cut down on strongly coloured food and drink, or use a straw for drinks.
- Choose white or tooth-coloured ties rather than fully clear ones if you drink a lot of coffee.
- Avoid smoking, which stains ties and teeth.
Self-ligating ceramic brackets, which have no elastic ties, avoid most of this problem.
What are the pros and cons of ceramic braces?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Much less noticeable than metal | Cost more than metal braces |
| Work around the clock, no compliance worries | Elastic ties can stain |
| Treat most of the same problems as metal braces | Brackets slightly larger than metal |
| No removing and cleaning trays during the day | More brittle; brackets can chip |
| Usually cheaper than lingual braces | Removal takes a little more care |
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultationAre ceramic braces as effective as metal?
For most cases, yes. Ceramic braces move teeth with the same wires and forces as metal braces, so they can treat crowding, spacing and most bite problems. Some orthodontists find metal brackets slightly more efficient for the most demanding movements because of lower friction with the wire, and metal brackets are less likely to break. If your case is complex, ask whether ceramic brackets would change how long treatment takes.
How long does treatment with clear braces take?
Treatment times are similar to metal braces: often around 18 to 24 months for a full course, with appointments every 6 to 10 weeks. Simpler cases can be shorter. Afterwards, you will need retainers to hold the result.
Ceramic braces or Invisalign?
Both are discreet. Aligners are removable and almost invisible, but only work if you wear them for about 22 hours a day, and you must take them out to eat and drink anything other than cold water. Ceramic braces stay on, so there is no daily discipline beyond cleaning and avoiding hard, sticky foods. In London, adult aligners start from £2,650 and ceramic braces from £3,150. Our Invisalign vs braces comparison goes through the trade-offs, and our guide to the types of braces covers every option.
What is it like having ceramic braces fitted?
Fitting takes about an hour and does not hurt. The teeth are cleaned and dried, a bonding material is applied, each bracket is placed and set with a curing light, and the wire is fitted. Your teeth will feel tender for a few days, which usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief and soft food. Orthodontic wax helps if the brackets rub your lips or cheeks while you get used to them.
Removal is also straightforward. We take extra care with ceramic brackets because they are designed to release from the tooth in a controlled way, then we polish away the remaining bonding material and fit your retainers.
Get a quote for clear braces
If you are weighing up ceramic braces against metal, lingual or aligners, the best starting point is a consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, explain which options would work, and give you a written fee for each. Request a consultation through our online form and we will be in touch.
Frequently asked questions
How much are clear braces in the UK?
Are clear braces more expensive than metal?
Do clear braces turn yellow?
Can adults get clear braces?
Are clear braces less effective than metal braces?
Related guides
Next step
Talk to a London orthodontist
Tell us what you are looking for and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation. There is no obligation to go ahead.
Request a consultation