---
title: "Private Orthodontist Cost UK 2026: Full Price List"
description: "Private orthodontist costs in the UK in 2026: consultations £50–£150, braces £2,000–£9,000+, Invisalign £1,500–£5,500 and retainers £100–£500."
canonical: https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/private-orthodontist-cost-uk
last_updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Private Orthodontist Cost in the UK: 2026 Price List

Updated 10 October 2026. By Orthodontists London.

A private orthodontist in the UK typically charges £50 to £150 for a consultation, £2,000 to £3,500 for metal braces, £2,500 to £4,000 for ceramic braces, £4,500 to £9,000 or more for lingual braces and £1,500 to £5,500 for clear aligners, with retainers costing £100 to £500. London fees sit at the upper end of these ranges.

| Treatment | Typical UK price | London price, from |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Consultation (with records) | £50–£150 | £140–£145 |
| Adult metal braces | £2,000–£3,500 | £2,800 outer, £3,650 central |
| Adult ceramic braces | £2,500–£4,000 | £3,150 outer, £4,000 central |
| Adult lingual braces | £4,500–£9,000+ | £4,800 outer, £9,870 central |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign) | £1,500–£5,500 | £2,650 central, £2,800 outer |
| Child metal braces | £2,000–£3,000 | £2,500 outer, £3,420 central |
| Child early (interceptive) treatment | £1,000–£2,000 | £1,200 outer, £2,180 central |
| Removable retainer (per arch) | £100–£150 | £110–£145 |
| Bonded retainers (upper and lower) | £400–£500 | £450–£500 |

These are typical private fees for a full course of treatment. At [Orthodontists London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/) every patient receives a written plan with the total fee after a consultation, so you know exactly what you will pay before you start.

## How much does it cost to see a private orthodontist?

A private orthodontic consultation usually costs £50 to £150 across the UK. In London, an adult consultation with 3D imaging is often around £140 to £145. Some practices offer a free initial chat and charge for full records, and some deduct the consultation fee from the treatment cost if you go ahead.

A full consultation should include an examination of your teeth, gums and bite, photos, a 3D scan and X-rays where needed, and an explanation of every suitable option with its cost and timing.

Compare typical fees for every treatment, in central and outer London, in our [London Invisalign and braces price index](https://orthodontistslondon.com/tools/london-invisalign-braces-price-index).

## How much do braces cost privately?

Fixed braces are priced for the whole course of treatment, which usually lasts 18 to 24 months and includes adjustments every 6 to 10 weeks.

- **Metal braces** are the lowest-cost fixed option, at around £2,000 to £3,500.

- **Ceramic braces** cost a few hundred pounds more, at around £2,500 to £4,000.

- **Lingual braces**, fitted behind the teeth, are custom-made and cost £4,500 to £9,000 or more.

Our guide to [how much braces cost in the UK](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/how-much-are-braces-uk) explains what drives each price.

## How much does Invisalign cost privately?

Clear aligners range from about £1,500 for a short course for minor crowding to £5,500 for comprehensive treatment of crowding and the bite. In London, adult Invisalign starts from around £2,650. Our [Invisalign cost guide](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-uk) breaks this down by case type.

## How much does private orthodontic treatment cost for children?

Children's treatment is often slightly cheaper than adult treatment because growth can help some movements. Typical UK fees are £2,000 to £3,000 for metal braces. Early or interceptive treatment, such as an expander or a functional appliance to correct a bite while the jaws are growing, typically costs £1,000 to £2,000, and a second phase with braces may follow later.

## Why does private orthodontic treatment cost so much?

The fee covers a long course of clinical care, not just the appliance:

| What you are paying for | Why it matters |
| --- | --- |
| Diagnosis and records | Scans, photos and X-rays to plan safely |
| Treatment planning | Deciding which teeth move, how and in what order |
| The appliance | Brackets, wires, aligners or custom lingual systems |
| Appointments | Typically 12 to 20 over a course of braces |
| Emergency care | Repairs to broken brackets, wires or aligners |
| Removal and polishing | Safe removal of brackets or attachments |
| Retainers and checks | Holding the result after treatment |

Specialist training also adds to cost. Specialist orthodontists have completed three years of full-time training after qualifying as dentists and gaining general experience.

## What affects the cost of private orthodontic treatment?

- **Complexity.** The biggest factor. Severe crowding, bite problems and impacted teeth take longer.

- **Appliance.** Metal is cheapest, then ceramic, then lingual. Aligners vary by case.

- **Clinician.** Specialists often charge more than general dentists who provide aligners.

- **Location.** Central London fees are higher than outer London and much of the UK.

- **Inclusions.** Retainers, refinements and breakages can add hundreds of pounds if excluded.

## Is a specialist orthodontist more expensive than a dentist?

Often a little. For simple straightening, a general dentist with orthodontic training may be suitable and slightly cheaper. For complex cases, the extra cost of a specialist is usually worth it, because treatment that has to be extended or redone costs far more. You can check whether a clinician is a specialist on the [GDC online register](https://olr.gdc-uk.org/searchregister). Our guide to [orthodontists vs dentists](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/orthodontist-vs-dentist) explains the difference.

## Can you pay for private orthodontic treatment monthly?

Most private practices offer payment plans: a deposit, then monthly payments over 12 to 36 months. Many are interest-free over shorter terms, and all finance is subject to status. As examples, on a 24-month interest-free plan with a £500 deposit:

| Treatment fee | Monthly payment |
| --- | --- |
| £2,800 | about £96 |
| £3,650 | about £131 |
| £4,000 | about £146 |
| £5,000 | about £188 |

Our guide to [Invisalign monthly cost](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-monthly-cost) covers interest-bearing plans and what to check.

## Are there hidden costs with private orthodontists?

Ask before you start whether these are included:

- Consultation and records.

- Refinement aligners.

- Breakages and emergency appointments.

- Retainers, and how many.

- Retention checks after treatment.

- Fees if treatment takes longer than planned.

## Does dental insurance cover private orthodontics?

Some dental insurance and cash plans contribute towards orthodontic treatment, usually for children and often with limits, waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Adult cosmetic orthodontics is commonly excluded. Check your policy wording and ask your insurer before treatment starts.

## How do you compare private orthodontist quotes?

Line up the same details from each practice: the diagnosis, the appliance, the estimated length of treatment, the number of appointments, who will treat you and the total fee in writing. Then check the inclusions listed above. A quote that looks cheaper because it leaves out retainers or refinements often ends up costing more. If two practices recommend very different treatments for the same teeth, ask each to explain why. Our guide to [choosing an orthodontist in London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/how-to-choose-orthodontist-london) has a checklist of questions to ask.

## Is private orthodontic treatment cheaper outside London?

Usually, yes. Many practices outside London charge from around £2,000 for adult metal braces, compared with £2,800 in outer London and £3,650 centrally. For aligners the gap is smaller, because the laboratory cost of the aligners is similar everywhere. If you are considering travelling for treatment, remember that you will need appointments every 6 to 10 weeks for a year or two, plus quick access if something breaks.

## Get your written fee

The only way to know what you will pay is an examination. We look at your teeth, gums and bite, explain every suitable option and give you the total fee in writing. [Request a consultation](https://orthodontistslondon.com/#enquire) through our online form and we will be in touch.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a private orthodontist cost in the UK?

Most courses of treatment cost £2,000 to £5,500, depending on the appliance and complexity. Lingual braces can cost £9,000 or more.

### How much is a private orthodontic consultation?

Usually £50 to £150. In London, a consultation with 3D imaging is often around £140 to £145.

### Is private orthodontic treatment worth it?

For many people, yes. It offers a choice of appliances, including discreet options, and treatment can start without long waits. A consultation tells you what is achievable.

### Do private orthodontists offer payment plans?

Most do, often interest-free over 12 or 24 months, subject to status.

### Why are private orthodontist prices so different?

Fees depend on case complexity, the appliance, the clinician's training, location and what is included, such as retainers and refinements.

## Related guides

- [How Much Do Braces Cost in London? (2026 Price Guide)](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/braces-cost-london)
- [Invisalign Cost in London: 2026 Prices and What’s Included](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-london)
- [Invisalign Cost in the UK: 2026 Prices by Case Type](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-uk)
- [Retainer Costs After Braces and Invisalign](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/retainer-cost)
- [NHS Braces for Adults: Eligibility and Private Alternatives](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/nhs-braces-for-adults)
- [London Invisalign and Braces Price Index 2026](https://orthodontistslondon.com/tools/london-invisalign-braces-price-index)
- [Orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces](https://orthodontistslondon.com/)
- [Areas of London we cover](https://orthodontistslondon.com/london-areas)

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](https://orthodontistslondon.com/#enquire)