Getting braces is an exciting step towards improving your smile and oral health. But with all the different types of fixed braces out there, how do you choose? Let’s overview the main types of braces and how they work to straighten your teeth.
Metal Braces
Metal or stainless steel braces remain the most common and affordable option. They consist of:
- Brackets glued to each tooth
- An archwire threaded through each bracket
- Elastic ties or metal bands securing the archwire to the brackets
- Potentially other components like springs or powerchains
The archwire applies steady pressure to the teeth, slowly shifting them into proper alignment. Metal braces cost £3,000-£7,000 and treatment spans 1-3 years depending on severity.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal but with brackets made from ceramic or porcelain blends matched to your tooth color. While less visible, they are more prone to staining and cost more (£4,000-£8,000).
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces attach to the back of your teeth rather than the front. Completely hidden from view, they use a customized wire that follows the contour of your bite. Lingual braces cost between £8,000-£10,000.
Clear Aligners
Unlike fixed braces, clear aligners are also like Invisalign are removable plastic trays that are swapped out periodically to adjust your teeth position. Aligners offer more discretion but progress slower than fixed braces. Cost ranges from £3,500-£8,000.
The most common and affordable type of braces and Making
Braces work by applying controlled, steady pressure to misaligned teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment. They are an orthodontic appliance typically made of metal brackets cemented to each tooth along with an archwire that connects the brackets and applies guiding force.
The most common and affordable type of braces are stainless steel metal braces. However, there are several options when it comes to braces material and type:
Metal Braces
- Made of high grade stainless steel – the most economical option
- Brackets are glued to the front surface of teeth
- Archwires are held to brackets using elastic ties or metal ligatures
- Treatment cost ranges from £3,000-£7,000 and lasts 1-3 years on average
Ceramic Braces
- Brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic blends
- Less visible but can stain and be more prone to breaking than metal
- Treatment time is comparable but they cost more – £4,000-£8,000
Lingual Braces
- Brackets and wires are attached to the back of teeth
- Completely invisible as they sit behind teeth
- Custom-fit for each patient using 3D imaging technology
- Most expensive option, ranging from £8,000-£10,000
Clear Aligners
- Removable plastic trays like Invisalign that are swapped out periodically
- More aesthetic and discreet alternative to fixed braces
- May not work as quickly as fixed braces for complex issues
- Cost is £3,500-£8,000 for a complete set of aligners
Other factors like treatment length and cost vary based on the extent of realignment needed. But regardless of type, properly fitted braces straighten teeth through incremental movement activated by arch-wires over regular orthodontic adjustments. This gradual process ultimately improves function and aesthetics.
How Braces Work
Regardless of type, braces use gentle, consistent pressure to push and pull teeth into better alignment. The brackets act as handles so the archwire can gently guide your teeth into place over time as it’s tightened at appointments. The end result is correctly positioned teeth for optimal bite function and a beautiful new smile!
Contact our Thousand Smiles Dental Clinic today to discuss which type of braces offer is available for your teeth straightening now. Our orthodontists provide fixed braces cost starting at just £3,500 with flexible payment plans.
How much do fixed braces cost in the UK?
Here are some typical costs for fixed braces in the UK:
- Metal braces – The most common and affordable fixed braces. Can cost £2,000 – £5,000 depending on the dental practice.
- Ceramic braces – More aesthetic with tooth-colored or clear brackets. Range from £2,500 – £6,000.
- Lingual braces – Fitted to the back of teeth so invisible. Most expensive at £3,000 – £8,000.
- Fast braces – Short-term braces using special techniques that move teeth faster. Around £2,000 – £4,000.
- Six Month Smiles – Focused on front teeth only for a quick cosmetic improvement. About £1,500 – £3,500.
- Inman Aligner – Front teeth only. Uses springs to move teeth. Roughly £1,750 – £2,500.
- Incognito – Fully customized braces on the back of teeth. Up to £8,000.
Other cost factors:
- Overall treatment time – More extensive cases require longer in braces, increasing costs. Simple, short-term treatments cost less.
- Type of dental practice – Braces from an orthodontic specialist may be more expensive than a general dentist.
- Where you live – Treatment in London or other major cities is typically more costly.
- Extra services – Costs increase if tooth extraction or other supplemental care is needed.
Many UK dental practices offer monthly payment plans to spread out the cost of fixed braces over the length of treatment.