How Much Are Braces in the UK? 2026 Prices by Type
Private braces in the UK typically cost £2,000 to £3,500 for metal braces, £2,500 to £4,000 for ceramic braces and £4,500 to £9,000 or more for lingual braces, while clear aligners range from about £1,500 to £5,500. London fees sit towards the top of these ranges.
| Type of brace | Typical UK price (adult) | London price, from | Typical treatment time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal fixed braces | £2,000–£3,500 | £2,800 outer, £3,650 central | 18–24 months |
| Ceramic (clear) braces | £2,500–£4,000 | £3,150 outer, £4,000 central | 18–24 months |
| Lingual (hidden) braces | £4,500–£9,000+ | £4,800 outer, £9,870 central | 18–24 months |
| Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) | £1,500–£5,500 | £2,650 | 6–18 months |
| Child metal braces | £2,000–£3,000 | £2,500 outer, £3,420 central | 18–24 months |
These are private fees for a full course of treatment. Your quote depends on how complex your case is and what is included. If you would like a written price for your own teeth, Orthodontists London offers consultations for adults and children across the capital.
Why do braces cost so much?
The fee covers far more than the brackets. A course of fixed braces usually means 18 to 24 months of care, with an appointment every 6 to 10 weeks to adjust wires, check progress and deal with any problems. Before treatment starts there is diagnosis and planning: photos, scans, X-rays and a written plan. At the end there is removal, polishing and retainers. Most of the cost is clinical time and the training behind it, not the hardware.
That is also why the cheapest brace on paper is not always the cheapest treatment. If an appliance does not suit your case and treatment has to be extended or redone, the total rises.
Compare typical fees for every treatment, in central and outer London, in our London Invisalign and braces price index.
How much are metal braces?
Metal braces are usually the lowest-cost fixed option, at around £2,000 to £3,500 in most of the UK. In London they start from about £2,800 at outer London practices and £3,650 centrally. They are very efficient for difficult movements, such as rotated teeth, large gaps or significant bite correction, and they suit almost every case.
How much do ceramic braces cost?
Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or clear brackets, so they are much less noticeable. They typically cost a few hundred pounds more than metal: around £2,500 to £4,000 across the UK, and from £3,150 in outer London and £4,000 in central London. Our guide to clear and ceramic braces explains who they suit and how to stop them staining.
How much are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are bonded behind the teeth and are custom-made for each patient, which is why they are the most expensive option. Expect around £4,500 to £9,000 or more. London has an unusually wide spread, from about £4,800 in outer London to £9,870 in central London. Some practices offer lingual brackets on the upper teeth only, with ceramic brackets on the lower teeth, which can reduce the cost. See our lingual braces guide for the pros and cons.
Are clear aligners cheaper than braces?
Sometimes. Short aligner courses for minor crowding can cost from about £1,500, which is less than most fixed braces. Comprehensive aligner treatment for crowding and bite problems can cost £3,500 to £5,500, which is more than metal braces. For the right case, either option works well. Our Invisalign cost guide breaks aligner prices down by case type.
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 consultationHow much do braces cost for children and teenagers?
Private braces for under-18s usually cost a little less than adult treatment because the jaws are still growing and some movements are quicker. Typical UK fees are £2,000 to £3,000 for metal braces. In London, child metal braces start from about £2,500 in outer London and £3,420 centrally, child clear braces from £2,850 to £3,770, and teen aligners from £2,500 to £2,760.
Some children benefit from early (interceptive) treatment, for example to correct a crossbite or make space for adult teeth. In London this starts from about £1,200 in outer London and £2,180 centrally, and a second phase of braces may still be needed later.
What else should a braces quote include?
Headline prices can hide extras. Ask whether the quote includes:
| Item | Typical London price | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation with 3D imaging | £140–£145 | Sometimes deducted from the fee |
| Replacement removable retainer | £110–£145 each | Check how many are included |
| Upper and lower bonded retainers | £450–£500 | Often extra |
| Breakages and emergency visits | Varies | Ask before you start |
| Retention checks after treatment | Varies | Some include the first year |
Retainers matter most. Teeth tend to drift back after braces, so you will need to wear retainers long term. Our guide to retainer costs explains the options.
What affects the price of braces?
- Case complexity. Severe crowding, a deep bite or impacted teeth take longer and need more appointments.
- Type of appliance. Metal is cheapest, then ceramic, then lingual.
- Who treats you. Specialist orthodontists on the GDC Specialist List often charge more than general dentists. For complex cases the extra training is worth paying for.
- Location. Central London fees are usually higher than outer London and the rest of the UK.
- What is included. Retainers, breakages and follow-up visits can add several hundred pounds if they are not in the fee.
Can you pay for braces monthly?
Most private practices let you pay a deposit and spread the rest over the course of treatment, and some offer interest-free credit through a lender, subject to status. For example, £2,800 metal braces with a £500 deposit over 24 months at 0% would be about £96 a month. Compare the total amount payable as well as the monthly figure.
Is it worth paying more for a specialist orthodontist?
For straightforward crowding, a general dentist with good orthodontic training can get a good result. For bite problems, impacted teeth, a jaw discrepancy or a child whose jaws are still growing, a specialist orthodontist is usually the better choice. Specialists have completed several further years of full-time training and are listed on the General Dental Council's Specialist List in Orthodontics. The extra fee is often a few hundred pounds over the course of treatment, which is small compared with the cost of treatment that has to be redone. Our guide to the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist explains how to check a clinician's registration.
How do you get an accurate price for braces?
An online figure can only ever be a starting point. At a consultation we examine your teeth, gums and bite, take records, talk you through every suitable option and give you a written plan with the total fee. There is no obligation to go ahead. Request a consultation through our online form and we will be in touch to arrange it.
Frequently asked questions
How much are braces in the UK in 2026?
What is the cheapest type of brace?
Are braces cheaper outside London?
Do braces prices include retainers?
How much do braces cost per month?
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