Orthodontic Braces: Types, Costs & How They Work

From fixed braces to clear aligners, Yorkshire Dental Suite offers a wide range of teeth straightening treatments. Book a consultation now.

If your teeth are misaligned or you are having problems with your bite, orthodontics are a great treatment option. The most suitable procedure for you depends on your lifestyle, type of misalignment and budget.

How braces work

Fixed braces use a series of brackets and wires to align your smile. Tension is applied to the wire, pushing or pulling each tooth into their correct position. Orthodontists adjust the tension every 6 – 8 weeks to progress treatment.

Clear aligners, which also fall under the orthodontic bracket, work slightly differently. Metal wires and brackets are replaced with transparent trays, while pre-planned aligner sets take the place of routine in-person appointments.

What conditions do braces treat?

Braces are extremely versatile – and effective. Combined with the expertise of an orthodontist, braces are proven to correct a wide range of malocclusions (misalignments), including the following.

How long do braces take? Average treatment times

The duration of your treatment depends on the complexity of your malocclusion. On average, this is how long you can expect to wear your braces, broken down on a case-by-case basis.

• Mild: Around 4 - 6 months
• Moderate: Around 6 - 12 months
• Severe: Around 8 - 16 months
• Complex: 12 months+

If you need to address any underlying issues prior to having your braces fitted (such as gum disease), this will increase the overall timeline. Treatment doesn’t end once your braces are removed either. You will need to wear retainers to maintain your newly straightened smile.

Different types of orthodontic braces

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘braces’? For many, it’s the traditional metal train-tracks we used to wear as teenagers. While these are still a great way to straighten teeth, there are many other options available.

Please note that all of the costs mentioned below are Yorkshire Dental Suite’s treatment prices.

Clear aligners

A series of plastic removable trays that use 3D scans to create your unique treatment plan. To move the process along, simply switch to the next set of aligners.

Fact file:

Suitable for: Mild, moderate and severe malocclusions

• Available on the NHS: No
• Number of appointments required: 3 – 5 overall
• Visibility: Nearly invisible
• Removable: No
• Cost: From £2,750

Metal braces

The only type of brace available on the NHS. Whilst not very discreet, they are still extremely effective in treating misaligned teeth and incorrect bites.

Fact file:

Suitable for: Mild, moderate and severe malocclusions

• Available on the NHS: Yes
• Number of appointments required: Every 6 – 8 weeks
• Visibility: Very visible
• Removable: No
• Cost: From £2,250

Ceramic braces

This orthodontic treatment uses a system of tooth-coloured brackets and frosted wires to discreetly align your smile.

Fact file:

Suitable for: Mild, moderate and severe malocclusions

• Available on the NHS: No
• Number of appointments required: Every 6 – 8 weeks
• Visibility: Discreet, but visible
• Removable: No
• Cost: From £2,500

Lingual braces

Lingual braces perform just like traditional front-facing braces, but attach to the back of the teeth instead. This design makes it completely invisible to the naked eye.

Fact file:

• Suitable for: Mild, moderate and severe malocclusions
• Available on the NHS: No
• Number of appointments required: Every 6 – 8 weeks
• Visibility: Completely invisible
• Removable: No
• Cost: From £3,495

Braces cost breakdown

Patients can claim teeth straightening on the NHS. It is significantly cheaper this way, costing £332.10 for adults. Under 18’s may even receive the treatment for free – however, you must be deemed eligible.

Eligibility is determined using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). To be approved, patients typically need to achieve a score of 4 or 5, indicating a clear clinical need for orthodontics.

You are also able to go to a private clinic for your treatment. Whilst waiting times will be shorter, you could be looking at paying £1,000 - £8,000 depending on the practice you go to and the procedure you choose.

Conclusion:

Our world-class team of orthodontists are able to straighten your teeth in as little as four months. Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite today to kickstart your journey to a more confident, healthy smile.