Getting dental braces is an effective way of correcting crooked teeth or even misaligned jaws. Whilst they are commonly used on adults, they can assist children and teenagers with misaligned teeth too. Each brace is custom-made for the patient and, therefore, can get a little expensive.
Braces are generally very effective at fixing oral alignment issues and can be worn without interfering in your everyday life. Whilst it’s vital to follow your orthodontist’s advice, choosing your brace type yourself can help you save some money too.
We’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your brace type and help you know how much does a brace cost.
How do braces work?
Different kinds of dental braces function in slightly different ways, but their primary concept remains constant. Your teeth aren’t directly connected to your jawbone but are connected by a thin membrane below your gums. This membrane controls the positioning of your teeth and braces function by constantly applying pressure on this membrane. This pressure causes your jawbone and teeth roots to adapt and conform to the desired shape.
Contrary to popular belief and the media, getting braces is a relatively simple process and takes an hour or two for the installation process. While you may experience sore gums in the first week, this goes away as your gums get adjusted to the foreign material of the braces. The soreness may return during subsequent adjustments by your orthodontists, but it won’t last as long.
Who are dental braces suitable for?
Braces are a suitable option for anyone not comfortable with their existing teeth positioning. However, patients that need braces would have one or more of six common misalignment issues.
- Overly Crowded
Overly crowded teeth are an early sign of severe crookedness as they will worsen with time. This tends to happen when your teeth have run out of space to occupy in your mouth and have started to press together in a misaligned manner. It can lead to several issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.
- Gapped Teeth
Gapped teeth or diastema can form anywhere in the mouth and go unnoticed unless it forms in the upper two front teeth. While in children, these gaps tend to disappear as they get their permanent teeth, in adults, they are permanent. Leaving the gaps as they are can lead to several problems, such as periodontal disease.
- Crossbite
A crossbite is a misalignment situation where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. It can affect just one tooth or your entire jaw and occur in the front, back, or both locations. If left untreated, it can wear down the teeth, cause gum disease and bone loss.
- Deep Bite
A deep bite is a misalignment in the teeth, which causes the top front teeth to overlap the bottom front teeth completely. It is also called overbite and is caused when the lower jaw is shorter than the upper jaw.
- Underbite
An underbite occurs where the lower teeth extend more than the upper teeth and begin to cover them. It is usually caused when the jaw is misaligned and can cause perpetual jaw pain.
- Open Bite
An overbite is a misalignment issue in which the top and bottom teeth have a large gap between them. This is a significant cause of most speech impairment issues and chewing problems.
What are the types of dental braces?
Depending on various factors such as your requirement, budget, personal preference, and available options with your orthodontist, you will need to choose one of four types of braces.
Metal Braces
Metal braces have come a long way from their traditional train track design and are smaller and lighter. Your orthodontist can install these braces in a few hours, and the procedure is straightforward with some soreness that you may experience with new braces. Unfortunately, metal braces can take anywhere between 12 and 24 months for the treatment procedure, and they leave you vulnerable to tooth decay during this time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-Effective | Easily Noticeable |
| High Durability | Harder to Clean |
| Don’t Get Discoloured Easily | Keeps You Away from Some Foods |
| Variety of Colour Options | Can Hinder with Speech |
Metal Braces Cost
Traditional metal braces can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000. This makes them the best option if you’re looking for cheap braces in the UK and an excellent choice for young teens who will be done with the treatment without suffering the embarrassment of being seen with braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces function precisely like metal braces, except the material of their brackets is the same colour as teeth, and they are therefore better hidden. As a result, they are just as effective as their metal counterparts and prone to the same soreness. The primary deal-breaker with ceramic braces for most people is that they get stained easily with food and are a lot harder to clean due to this.
| Pros | Cons |
| Less Visible than Metal | More Expensive than Metal |
| Increased Confidence | Get Stained Easily |
| Low Durability |
Ceramic Braces Cost
A ceramic brace cost can vary between £2,000 and £6,000. While they aren’t the cheapest options out there, they are great for adults looking to get their teeth aligned without it being too noticeable.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces are standard for adults as they go behind the teeth and stay hidden. The braces can be fitted with standard metallic or ceramic material and can even be moulded to fit the shape of the teeth. While the braces are excellent at staying incognito, they can bring discomfort, speech problems and are harder to clean. They are also a lot more expensive than traditional braces.
| Pros | Cons |
| Virtually Invisible | More Expensive |
| Flexible | Can Cause Lisps |
| Are Only Placed on Teeth that Need Alignment | Take Time for Adjustment |
| Require More Maintenance |
Lingual Braces Cost
Lingual braces are pretty pricey and can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £10,000. This high price, along with the discomfort they bring, makes them suitable only for adults who need to hide their braces for professional reasons.
Clear Braces (Invisalign)
Invisalign braces are virtually invisible braces and offer a clear alternative to metal braces. These are also removable and are a common choice for teenagers and adults. They also come with an indicator for your dentist to check if you’ve been wearing them enough, and on average, take 6 to 18 months for treatment. The clear braces need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day, or as suggested by your dentist and allow easy access to your teeth for cleaning and flossing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Virtually Invisible | Can Get Stained with Certain Drinks Like Red Wine |
| Less Painful | |
| Removable | |
| Faster Treatment Time |
Clear Braces Cost
The cost of Invisalign (clear braces) starts at £1,800, and at Perfect Smile, we offer an easy £150 monthly payment plan which won’t break the bank. This makes Invisalign the best option for almost anyone looking to get their teeth aligned.
Which is the Best Type of Dental Brace?
After going over all the dental braces’ cost and types, it should be easy to see which is the best.
Clear Braces or Invisalign braces are the best since they provide a comfortable and almost invisible braces experience without compromising on the treatment duration. They are also considerably less expensive than other hidden braces such as ceramic or lingual.
Whilst they may get stained from certain beverages, they make up for this with comfort and an experience free of sore gums. They also allow easy brushing and flossing to maintain your oral health and prevent tooth decay.
How Much Do Braces Cost for Adults?
Perfect Smile provides Invisalign at the affordable price from £1,800 and also offers to divide the total private braces cost into monthly payments of only £150. They are pretty affordable for any adult who wishes to avoid the embarrassment of wearing braces at work or social gatherings and are worth every penny.
Which Brace is Right for You?
Choosing the right brace for you should be easy since you know how much braces cost for adults. However, the brace you choose will depend on your situation, and the information from this article should help you make a better decision.
If you have any unanswered queries regarding braces or need to know the brace cost of your preferred type, we will be happy to assist you. Get in touch with your nearest practice to book a free consultation.
