How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?

When dealing with crooked or misaligned teeth, dentists recommend the use of braces to fix the problem. As an adult, you may be concerned about the appearance of orthodontic appliances and the relatively high cost of the treatment.

Fixing crooked and misaligned teeth is more of a cosmetic treatment than a medical need. Therefore, adult braces may not be covered under your health insurance policy. However, not using braces can create serious and painful problems for your teeth and jaw. Before you begin orthodontic treatment, you should speak with your insurance agent to establish what the company will pay towards the cost.

Even if you don't have insurance, braces won't usually cost too much and many orthodontists are willing to offer an appealing payment plan.

How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?

The first consideration is how much you can comfortably afford to pay each month. You should also decide the extent to which the braces may interfere with your daily life. Another element to consider is whether you're comfortable with your braces being on show to the rest of the world.

For adults, any form of orthodontic treatment can cost between £1,500 and £10,000. This is a wide range which mostly depends on which type of appliance you require and how long you expect to wear them.

Here's a quick breakdown of the prices and types of braces on offer:

These prices should give you a good idea of the cost of adult braces. You'll also need to factor in retainers, which you'll need after the braces are removed and should also be considered as part of the overall expense.

Adult braces differ in complexity and take varying time to work. Traditional metal braces are usually the cheapest form of treatment available and are suitable for every kind of common mouth and teeth issue.

Ceramic and clear braces are more expensive but blend in with the natural colour of your teeth much more effectively. Lingual braces offer the same invisible appeal but at a higher price.

Invisalign is a relatively new development and consists of clear removable aligners which work in a similar way to braces. The cost of these varies greatly.

Bear in mind that the prices mentioned above are for private adult orthodontic treatment. Getting braces on the NHS is very rare, as the service is mostly reserved for children with the most severe orthodontic problems. However, you should be able to get a free consultation with an NHS orthodontist who will advise if your condition is severe enough for NHS treatment.