--- title: "Orthodontists London: Invisalign & Braces Prices Compared" description: "Compare orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces options, typical London prices, NHS vs private, and free matching with a GDC-registered practice." canonical: https://orthodontistslondon.com/ last_updated: 2026-10-04 --- ![Smiling woman in soft natural light (stock photograph of a model)](https://orthodontistslondon.com/img/hero.webp) Independent London guide · Free matching # Orthodontists in London Compare braces and Invisalign in London, see typical published prices, and request a consultation with one vetted, GDC-registered orthodontic practice. Request a consultation ## Find the right orthodontist in London London has hundreds of practices offering braces and Invisalign, and fees, qualifications and approaches vary a lot. Tell us what you are looking for in two short steps and we will pass your enquiry to **one** vetted practice that matches it. The practice contacts you to arrange a consultation, and there is no obligation to go ahead. - Only GDC-registered dentists and specialist orthodontists - Practices in CQC-registered clinics - Adults and children, all treatment types - Matching costs you nothing, and we never sell your details on Prefer to read first? Start with our guides to [braces costs](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/braces-cost-london), [Invisalign costs](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-london) and [adult braces](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/adult-braces-london). To request an introduction, use the enquiry form at https://orthodontistslondon.com/#enquire Independent guide ## Orthodontists London: how to choose with confidence **What is an orthodontist?** An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed several further years of full-time specialist training in straightening teeth and correcting bites, and is listed on the General Dental Council’s Specialist List in Orthodontics. General dentists can also provide some orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners. **Orthodontists London** is an independent guide to orthodontic treatment in the capital. This page explains your options in plain English, shows typical London prices from published fee guides, and lets you request a consultation with a vetted practice. We are not a dental practice and we do not give clinical advice: our job is to help you understand the choices and find a suitable practice quickly. ### Specialist orthodontist or general dentist? Every dentist in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Some go on to complete several further years of full-time training in orthodontics and are added to the GDC’s **Specialist List in Orthodontics**. Only dentists on that list can call themselves a “specialist orthodontist”. General dentists can also legally provide some orthodontic treatment, most often clear aligners. That can be perfectly suitable for simple cases, but for complex bites, jaw discrepancies, impacted teeth or children’s growth problems, a specialist is usually the safer choice. You can check any dentist’s registration and specialist status for free on the [GDC online register](https://olr.gdc-uk.org/searchregister). ### Who we introduce you to We only introduce you to practices where the treating clinician is GDC-registered and the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). If you want a specialist, say so in the form and we will match you with a specialist-led practice. Clear aligners ## Invisalign in London Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners: a series of thin, removable, custom-made plastic trays that move your teeth in small steps. It is one of the most searched-for treatments in London, popular with working adults because the aligners are hard to notice and can be taken out to eat, brush and for important occasions. ### How Invisalign treatment works The practice takes a 3D scan of your teeth and plans each tooth movement digitally. You then wear each set of aligners for about 22 hours a day, moving to the next set every week or two, with check-ups every few weeks. Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments are often bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip. Treatment often takes from about 6 to 18 months, depending on how much movement is needed. ### Who Invisalign suits Aligners work well for many cases of mild to moderate crowding, spacing and some bite problems, and for adults whose teeth have moved after earlier braces. More complex movements may still be better treated with fixed braces. Aligners only work if you wear them: if you often forget to put them back in, treatment stalls. An in-person examination is the only way to know whether you are suitable. ### Invisalign price in London One London orthodontic group publishes adult Invisalign prices from £2,650 at its central London practice and £2,800 at its outer London branches (checked October 2026). Your quote depends on the complexity of your case and on what is included, such as refinement aligners and retainers. Our [Invisalign cost guide for London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-london) explains what to compare. ![Empty modern dental treatment room with a dental chair (stock photograph)](https://orthodontistslondon.com/img/clinic.webp) Fixed appliances ## Braces in London Fixed braces remain the most versatile orthodontic option and suit almost every type of case, including complex bite corrections. There are three main types. ### Metal braces Small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and joined by a wire. Usually the lowest-cost private option and very efficient for difficult movements. ### Ceramic (clear) braces Tooth-coloured or clear brackets that are much less noticeable, at a slightly higher price. They need good hygiene to avoid staining. ### Lingual (hidden) braces Custom brackets fitted behind the teeth, so they are virtually invisible from the front. The most discreet fixed option and the most expensive. Read our [lingual braces guide](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/lingual-braces-london). Published fees ## Orthodontist prices in London Most London practices do not publish prices on their homepage. The table below uses one London orthodontic group’s published private fee guide, which lists both central London and outer London (Teddington and Richmond) prices, to show a realistic range. | Treatment (private) | 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 interceptive (early) treatment | £2,180 | £1,200 | | Adult consultation with 3D imaging | £145 | £140 | | Replacement removable retainer | £145 | £110 | | Upper and lower bonded retainers | £500 | £450 | | NHS treatment (under-18s who qualify) | Free on the NHS if the child meets the clinical need threshold (IOTN). Not available through this site. | | Source: The London Orthodontic Group published fee guide ([londonlovesbraces.com](https://londonlovesbraces.com/fees-plans/private-treatment-fees)), checked 4 October 2026. "From" prices; your quote depends on your case. ### Braces price in London: what changes the quote Prices depend on the complexity of your case, the appliance, treatment length, who treats you and what is included (retainers, refinements, emergency visits). Central London fees are often higher than outer London fees for the same treatment. Many practices let you spread the cost with a deposit and monthly payments, sometimes interest-free; any finance is arranged by the practice or its lender, subject to status, not by us. See our full [braces cost guide for London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/braces-cost-london). What to look for ## Choosing an orthodontic clinic in London A good orthodontic clinic explains every suitable option, not just the one it sells most, and gives you a written plan and fee before you commit. ### Registration The treating clinician is on the GDC register, and specialist claims match the GDC Specialist List. The clinic is registered with the CQC: check its latest report on cqc.org.uk. ### Clear fees A written quote showing the total fee and what it includes: records, retainers, refinements, breakages and follow-up visits. No pressure to start on the day. ### Honest advice No “guaranteed results”, time-limited offers or heavily edited before-and-after photos. Risks such as relapse and gum problems are explained up front. ### Questions to ask at your consultation - Are you on the GDC Specialist List in Orthodontics? If not, what orthodontic training do you have? - What are all my options, and why do you recommend this one? - How long will treatment take, and how often will I need appointments? - What is the total fee, and what does it include? - What happens if treatment takes longer than planned? - Who will I see at each appointment? Every age ## Adult and children’s orthodontics ### Orthodontic treatment for adults Adults make up a large share of private orthodontic patients in London. Discreet options such as ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign are popular with working adults. Teeth move in much the same way at 40 as at 15, but adults are more likely to have gum issues, missing teeth or old restorations, so a thorough check-up comes first. Read more about [adult braces in London](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/adult-braces-london). ### Orthodontics for children and teenagers Children are usually assessed once most of their adult teeth have come through, often around age 11 to 12, although your dentist may refer earlier if there is a problem with jaw growth or crowding. Under-18s may qualify for free NHS treatment if their need is severe enough. If they do not qualify, or you do not want to wait, private treatment is an option. Our guide to [NHS braces eligibility](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/nhs-braces-for-adults) explains the rules. Your first visit ## What happens at an orthodontic consultation 1. **Discussion.** What bothers you about your teeth, your medical and dental history and what you want to achieve. 2. **Examination.** A check of your teeth, gums and bite, often with photos, a 3D scan and X-rays. 3. **Options and plan.** Suitable treatments, how long each might take, the risks, and a written quote. 4. **Time to decide.** There is no pressure to start on the day. Take the plan away and compare. Conditions ## Common problems orthodontists treat - **Crowding**: not enough space, so teeth overlap or twist. The most common reason adults seek treatment, and it often gets worse with age. - **Spacing**: gaps between teeth, including a gap between the two front teeth. - **Overjet**: upper front teeth that stick out, which are more likely to be damaged in a fall. - **Deep bite**: upper teeth cover too much of the lower teeth, sometimes biting into the gum. - **Underbite and crossbite**: lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, which can cause uneven wear. - **Open bite**: front teeth don’t meet when you bite together. - **Relapse**: teeth that have moved back after earlier treatment because retainers were not worn. Some of these can be treated with aligners alone; others need fixed braces or, for jaw-related problems, orthodontics combined with surgery. That decision should be made by a clinician after examining you, not by an online quiz. ### Risks, retainers and aftercare Orthodontic treatment is very common and generally safe, but it isn’t risk-free. Possible downsides include decay or white marks around brackets if teeth aren’t cleaned thoroughly, gum inflammation, a small amount of root shortening and relapse. Retainers are the answer to relapse: most orthodontists recommend a removable retainer at night for the long term, a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth, or both. Ask what retainers are included in your quote and what replacements cost. Coverage ## Orthodontists across London We match patients across Greater London, including Harley Street and Marylebone, Kensington and Chelsea, the City, Canary Wharf, Islington, Wimbledon, Richmond and Croydon. Fixed braces usually need a visit every 6 to 10 weeks, so a practice near home or work makes treatment much easier. Tell us your preferred area in the form. See [every London borough we cover](https://orthodontistslondon.com/london-areas), or read more about [how our matching service works, how we vet practices and how we are paid](https://orthodontistslondon.com/about). Questions ## Frequently asked questions ### How much do braces cost in London? Private fixed braces in London typically start from around £2,800–£3,650 for metal braces and £3,150–£4,000 for clear (ceramic) braces, based on one London group’s published fee guide checked in October 2026. Lingual braces cost more, from about £4,800 in outer London to £9,870 in central London. Your actual quote depends on how complex your case is. ### How much does Invisalign cost in London? Published London prices for adult Invisalign start from around £2,650–£2,800. Simple cases needing fewer aligners cost less than complex ones, and some practices include retainers and refinements while others charge separately, so compare what each quote includes. See our [Invisalign cost guide](https://orthodontistslondon.com/guides/invisalign-cost-london). ### Is 25 too late to get braces? No. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as your teeth and gums are healthy. Many orthodontic patients in London are adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Adult treatment can take a little longer, and keeping results means wearing retainers long term. ### Will the NHS pay for adult braces? Usually not. NHS orthodontic treatment is mainly for under-18s with a clear clinical need. Adults are only treated on the NHS in limited cases, often in hospital alongside jaw surgery, and NHS charges apply unless you are exempt. Most adults in London choose private treatment. ### Is an orthodontist more qualified than a dentist? A specialist orthodontist is a dentist who has completed several further years of full-time specialist training and is on the General Dental Council’s Specialist List in Orthodontics. General dentists can also offer some orthodontic treatments, such as aligners, but only those on the specialist list may call themselves specialist orthodontists. ### Do I have to pay for the consultation? Our matching service costs you nothing. Some London practices do not charge for a first consultation, while others charge for X-rays, 3D scans or records: one London group lists an adult consultation with 3D imaging at £140–£145. The practice will confirm any fee before you book. ### How long does orthodontic treatment take? Many fixed-brace treatments take around 18 to 24 months, and clear aligner treatment often takes from about 6 to 18 months depending on complexity. Your orthodontist will give you an estimate after examining you. Two quick steps ## Ready to talk to an orthodontist? No obligation. A vetted, GDC-registered London practice will contact you to arrange a consultation. [Request a consultation](#enquire)