Whether you’ve noticed or been told that you or your child needs braces, the next question is usually how much you’ll need to pay. However, there isn’t a single answer to this question, since there are different types of braces available for different kinds of cases. Furthermore, the NHS uses the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, or IOTN, to determine whether they’ll cover braces for children under 18.
However, we can provide some approximate figures for those who will be paying for braces out of pocket and the factors that could affect the price tag. Let’s take a look at how much you can expect to pay for various types of braces.
The Average Cost of Braces
The cost of private braces averages £2,500. However, the price tag can be anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000 for braces when you seek private treatment. The price you pay will vary based on the material used, the time taken to fit them, and the total treatment time.
Many dentists are reluctant to quote a price unless they inspect your teeth since they can’t really tell what they’re working with. This may result in an additional charge depending on the severity of your case. We also suggest that you get a few price quotes since prices can vary so much.
A good place to start would be a clinic like Kissdental. They can handle everything from minor cosmetic issues to severely misaligned teeth and offer flexible payment plans. They are specialised in providing smile makeovers and can perform virtually every type of bracing procedure there is. They might be able to find something that will be less expensive or better suited for your situation.
Metal Braces
Metal braces remain popular because they’re just as, if not more effective than many newer orthodontic treatments. Furthermore, traditional fixed metal braces are the cheapest. They’ll cost somewhere between £1,500 and £3,000 depending on the complexity of your case if you opt for private treatment.
Damon braces are similar to metal braces, but their built-in sliding mechanism means they don’t need to be continually tightened the way conventional metal braces are. These can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000.
Smart Bracket Braces
If you want to shorten the treatment time, you may have to pay for that privilege, and the best way to do so is with smart bracket braces. Smart bracket braces are actually equipped with a microchip that regulates how they work. They work much faster than standard metal braces. They’ll realign and move on their own over time. You can expect to pay around £2,000 to £3,000 for these.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces with the exception that they’re located on the inside of your teeth. These cost more principally because of the complexity of the procedure. The price tag can range from £2,000 to £10,000 on these. Also know that they’re difficult to keep clean, so that’s more money on maintenance.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are somewhere between metal braces and invisible braces. They have a traditional metal wire but a clear attachment to the teeth. This makes them less visible than traditional braces, and they can be used in some cases where clear aligners can’t. They cost between £3,500 and £4,500. You will also have to invest in good dental hygiene to maintain both your teeth and braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but they are tooth coloured. This makes them more discreet than traditional metal braces. In some cases, even the wires are tooth coloured so that they’re almost invisible.
Unfortunately, you’ll pay more for ceramic braces. They’ll cost between £2,000 and £6,000. They will also require more work to keep clean because stained and discoloured ceramic stands out almost as much as metal braces.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are not actually braces. They’re plastic aligners custom-made to fit your mouth. They apply gentle pressure to the teeth to help shift their location. New aligners are made at each stage of treatment. One point in favour of invisible braces is that the plastic aligners are discrete. Another benefit of invisible braces is that you can take them out. Then you can eat, drink, and care for your teeth normally.
Clear invisible braces typically cost much more than metal braces. Depending on how long it takes to move your teeth into place, you could pay anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000 for clear adult braces. Expect the gentle invisible braces to take longer than an aggressive, 6-month smile treatment with metal braces.
This was just a quick overview of how much the different types of braces may cost. Now, we strongly suggest that you find a professional who will be able to help you determine which kind is right for your case.
*This is a collaborative post.
Wish these options where available when I was young