---
title: "Types of Braces Explained: Metal, Ceramic, Lingual"
description: "Types of braces compared: metal, ceramic, self-ligating, lingual and clear aligners. See 2026 UK and London prices, visibility and who each suits."
canonical: https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/types-of-braces
last_updated: 2026-10-08
---

# Types of Braces Explained: Metal, Ceramic, Lingual and Clear

Updated 10 October 2026. By Orthodontists London.

There are five main types of teeth braces: metal fixed braces, ceramic (clear) braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces fitted behind the teeth, and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Metal braces are usually the cheapest and most versatile, while lingual braces are the least visible and the most expensive.

| Type | How visible | Typical UK price (adult) | London price, from | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Metal braces | Visible | £2,000–£3,500 | £2,800 | Almost all cases, including complex bites |
| Ceramic braces | Low | £2,500–£4,000 | £3,150 | Most cases where appearance matters |
| Self-ligating braces | Visible (metal) or low (clear) | £2,500–£4,500 | Similar to metal or ceramic | Patients who want fewer ties and easier cleaning |
| Lingual braces | Hidden | £4,500–£9,000+ | £4,800 | Discreet fixed treatment |
| Clear aligners | Very low | £1,500–£5,500 | £2,650 | Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, some bite problems |

Each type moves teeth with gentle, continuous pressure. They differ in how they look, how they feel, how much they ask of you and what they cost. At [Orthodontists London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/) we offer all five, so our advice is based on your teeth rather than the one system we happen to use.

## What are metal braces?

Metal braces are small stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, joined by an archwire. The wire is held in each bracket by a small elastic tie or a fine wire tie. Every 6 to 10 weeks we adjust or change the wire to guide the teeth into position.

Metal braces are the most efficient fixed appliance for difficult movements, such as large rotations, closing extraction spaces and correcting bite problems. They are also the most robust. Modern brackets are smaller and smoother than many adults remember from their own school days. Teenagers often choose coloured elastic ties to personalise them, which our guide to [braces colours](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/braces-colours) covers.

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).

## What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces work in the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made of tooth-coloured or translucent ceramic. With a tooth-coloured or frosted wire, they are hard to notice at a normal speaking distance. They typically cost a few hundred pounds more than metal.

Ceramic brackets are slightly larger than metal ones and are harder than tooth enamel, so the orthodontist may avoid placing them on lower teeth where the upper teeth bite onto them. The clear elastic ties can stain from coffee, tea, red wine and curry, though they are changed at each adjustment. Our guide to [clear and ceramic braces](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/clear-ceramic-braces-cost) covers costs and care.

## What are self-ligating braces?

Self-ligating braces have a small built-in clip or door that holds the wire, so they do not need elastic ties. They come in metal and clear versions. Without ties, there is less for food and plaque to collect around, and adjustments can be a little quicker.

Self-ligating systems are sometimes marketed as faster or less painful. Research has not shown consistent differences in overall treatment time or comfort compared with conventional braces, so choose them for convenience rather than for a promised speed-up. Some practices use them as standard at no extra charge.

## What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are fixed brackets bonded to the inner surface of the teeth, facing the tongue. They are custom-made from a scan of your teeth, so each bracket fits the shape of the back of the tooth. They are invisible from the front.

Because they are bespoke and take more chair time to fit and adjust, lingual braces are the most expensive option. The tongue rests against them, so soreness and a slight lisp are common for the first few weeks. In experienced hands they treat many of the same problems as conventional braces. Our [lingual braces guide](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/lingual-braces-london) goes into more detail.

## What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable plastic trays, each slightly different, that move teeth in planned steps. Invisalign is the best-known brand. You wear each set for about 22 hours a day and change to the next every week or two. Small tooth-coloured attachments are often bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip.

Aligners are popular with adults because they are almost invisible and can be removed to eat and clean. The trade-off is discipline: they only work while they are in. They suit many cases of mild to moderate crowding, spacing and some bite problems. Severe rotations and large vertical movements are usually more predictable with fixed braces. Our [Invisalign vs braces comparison](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-vs-braces) sets out the differences.

## Which type of braces is best?

The right type depends on four things.

1. **What needs to move.** Complex bites often need fixed braces. Mild crowding can be treated with any type.

2. **How discreet you want treatment to be.** Lingual braces are hidden, aligners and ceramic braces are hard to notice, metal braces are visible.

3. **How much responsibility you want.** Aligners need you to wear them 22 hours a day. Fixed braces work whether you remember or not.

4. **Budget.** Metal braces are usually the lowest-cost fixed option and lingual braces the highest.

| If your priority is | Consider |
| --- | --- |
| Lowest cost | Metal braces |
| Least visible fixed option | Lingual braces |
| Removable and discreet | Clear aligners |
| Discreet but fixed, at a moderate cost | Ceramic braces |
| Complex bite correction | Metal or ceramic fixed braces |
| Fewer elastic ties | Self-ligating braces |

## Which type of braces is easiest to clean?

Clear aligners are the easiest, because you take them out and brush and floss as normal. With any fixed brace, food and plaque collect around the brackets, so you need a careful routine: brushing after meals, interdental brushes between the brackets and fluoride toothpaste. Self-ligating brackets have no elastic ties, which removes one place for plaque to gather. Lingual braces are the hardest to clean because they sit on the inner surfaces you cannot see. Whatever type you choose, poor cleaning can leave white marks or decay, so we show you how to clean around your appliance on the day it is fitted.

## Are there other types of orthodontic appliance?

Yes. Children sometimes wear removable appliances or functional appliances, which use the growth of the jaws to correct a bite, particularly protruding upper front teeth. Expanders can widen a narrow upper jaw in younger patients. These are usually part of early (interceptive) treatment and may be followed by fixed braces later. Adults with significant jaw discrepancies may need fixed braces combined with jaw surgery, planned with a maxillofacial surgeon.

## How long does treatment take with each type?

Fixed braces, whether metal, ceramic, self-ligating or lingual, usually take 18 to 24 months for full treatment. Aligners range from 3 to 6 months for minor cases to 12 to 18 months or more for comprehensive cases. Our guide to [how long Invisalign takes](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/how-long-does-invisalign-take) has a timeline by case type.

## Choose with an orthodontist, not a brochure

The best type of brace for you depends on an examination of your teeth, gums and bite. At consultation we explain every suitable option, how long each would take and the total fee. [Request a consultation](https://orthodontistslondon.com/#enquire) through our online form and we will be in touch.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the most common type of braces?

Metal fixed braces are still the most common, particularly for teenagers. Clear aligners are now very common among adults.

### What type of braces is least noticeable?

Lingual braces, fitted behind the teeth, are the least visible. Clear aligners and ceramic braces are also very discreet.

### Which braces work fastest?

No type is fastest for every case. Aligners can be quick for minor problems; fixed braces are often more efficient for complex movements.

### Are ceramic braces as strong as metal?

Ceramic brackets are strong but more brittle than metal and slightly more likely to chip. They work well for most cases.

### What are the cheapest braces?

Metal braces are usually the lowest-cost fixed option, from about £2,000 in much of the UK and from £2,800 in outer London.

## Related guides

- [How Much Do Braces Cost in London? (2026 Price Guide)](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/braces-cost-london)
- [Clear and Ceramic Braces: Cost and Who They Suit](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/clear-ceramic-braces-cost)
- [Invisalign Cost in London: 2026 Prices and What’s Included](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-london)
- [Lingual Braces in London: Cost, Pros and Cons (2026)](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/lingual-braces-london)
- [Braces for Adults: Is It Worth Getting Braces at 30, 35 or 40?](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/adult-braces-london)
- [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)

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