Braces for adults in London with clear and metal options

Traditional metal braces are the most common orthodontic method and can treat most misalignments. They consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth and connected by a thin metal wire called an archwire. Small elastics hold everything in place.

You will visit our practice for adjustment appointments during treatment, where we will put gentle pressure on the teeth to correct their position. Metal braces are more visible than some treatment options, but they are also much less expensive.

If you are looking for a treatment with the same effectiveness of fixed metal braces, but a more aesthetic appearance, clear braces could be a great option. Clear braces work for all ages and are suitable for even complex orthodontic issues.

The brackets of clear braces are made out of tooth-coloured ceramic, which helps them blend in with your smile. We can also pair your clear brackets with a tooth-coloured wire for extra discretion.

Self-ligating braces are a new clinically proven treatment system that aligns your teeth with reduced friction and increased comfort. A special slide mechanism in the brackets allows us to shape your smile more efficiently – and with fewer in-office appointments.

The absence of elastic ties also makes dental hygiene easier during treatment as they do not collect plaque. This makes self-ligating braces faster (4-6 months of treatment on average), more comfortable and more hygienic than other fixed brace options.

If you are looking for a truly discreet treatment, Invisalign^® treatment for adults is a wonderful option for your smile. Invisalign^® treatment uses virtually invisible clear aligners that don’t require any metal brackets or wires to shape your smile.

To progress through treatment, you can simply switch to a new set of aligners from the comfort of home instead of coming in for adjustments. Because the aligners are removable, you don’t even need to adjust your diet or routine during treatment.

Private adult braces at Orthosmile in London typically range from £1,990–£4,500 for metal or ceramic fixed braces, £2,000–£5,500 for Invisalign®, and £3,990–£10,000 for lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces, depending on the length of treatment and complexity. See our full price list. NHS orthodontic treatment is rarely funded for adults unless there is a significant clinical need. At Orthosmile we provide consultations with a £30 deposit redeemable against treatment cost, and we offer 0% interest-free monthly payment plans to make treatment more affordable. All our patients receive free fixed retainers and 2 free sets of removable retainers post-treatment, worth £900.

Adult NHS orthodontic treatment in England is very limited, and most Integrated Care Boards in West London prioritise NHS orthodontics for children under 18. As commissioning capacity changes regularly, you can use the NHS Find a Dentist tool to contact practices directly. Our 0% interest-free monthly payment plans make private treatment more affordable for patients who do not meet the NHS criteria or cannot find an NHS provider.

Although adult treatment generally takes longer than children's, advances in modern fixed braces and Invisalign® mean most adults complete orthodontic treatment in 12–24 months, with some simpler cases finishing in as little as six months. Your orthodontist will be able to give you an indication of the treatment time following your clinical and X-ray examination.

Age is not a factor in having orthodontic treatment — what matters most is how healthy your gums and supporting bone are. Roughly one in four orthodontic patients in the UK is now an adult, and patients routinely in their 30s, 40s and 50s seek treatment.

Lingual braces (fitted behind the teeth) are the most discreet fixed option. Invisalign® aligners are also nearly invisible and removable, and are very popular with the majority of adult patients. Fixed ceramic braces are more visible than aligners but less noticeable than metal braces.

Orthodontic treatment is usually delayed until gum disease is treated and a stable periodontium is established and maintained. Dental implants cannot be moved, as they are fused to the bone, so orthodontic treatment is usually planned around them rather than trying to move the implants.

Orthosmile offers 0% interest-free monthly payment plans, typically with a deposit of 20–25% and the balance spread over 12–24 months. We also use the finance company Tabeo, which — following a soft credit check — provides a low-interest loan with no arrangement fees.

Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days once the braces are fitted, and for a day or two after each adjustment, which can be easily controlled with paracetamol or ibuprofen. The discomfort is much less with Invisalign® clear aligners, which are also more discreet and have less impact on speech.

Yes — you need retainers after any orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth relapsing. At Orthosmile we provide both a fixed retainer (a thin wire glued to the back of the six front teeth) and two sets of clear removable retainers to be worn at night only. The cost of these retainers is £900, and they are provided free of charge to all patients who have treatment with us.

No referral is necessary to see us for a private orthodontic consultation — you can book a consultation with us directly. We offer a free consultation for under-16s and a £30 fee for adults, redeemable against the treatment cost.

Braces are as effective in adults as in children; however, tooth movement in adults is slightly slower due to the higher density of the bone and the lack of bone growth in adults compared with children.

Lingual braces (fitted on the inside of the teeth) are provided by Orthosmile. Not all cases are suitable for this treatment. They cost from £3,990 for some simple cases up to £10,000 for dual-arch treatment.