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The number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment remains high and according to a survey carried out amongst orthodontists, (1) this can be attributed to two factors:
If you are hoping to get your teeth straightened then as well as wanting to know more about the types of braces available you’re probably keen to know what are the most affordable teeth straightening options in the UK.
Due to increased demand for adult braces and advances in orthodontic materials and technology, modern braces have come on in leaps and bounds. As a result, teeth straightening treatment is more effective and less noticeable.
From metal braces to clear braces and Damon braces to clear aligners, choosing braces can be complicated and deciding what’s right for you can be overwhelming. Knowing what different types of braces cost is important since it will enable you to choose an option that works for you in terms of budget and aesthetics.
Naturally, your dentist will determine which type of brace is right for you, but it never hurts to be prepared. Below, we take a look at the most popular types of braces available, how much they cost and what you can expect from the treatment.
Metal braces are the type of brace that most people are familiar with and consist of metal brackets applied to each tooth with an arch wire connecting them. They work by applying constant pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the required position and involve regular dental appointments to tighten the wires.
While metal braces are available on the NHS reports show that (2) very few adults are eligible for treatment.
The downside to metal braces is their highly visible appearance and difficulty in maintaining good oral health when wearing them. The average treatment time is 18-24 months and sometimes longer.
Cost: £1,500 to £3000 when fitted by a private dentist and £282.80 with NHS treatment. To have access to more discreet braces, patients will need to pay privately.
The second of our teeth straightening options is ceramic braces also known as clear braces. Essentially they are the same as conventional metal braces with the difference being that they have clear plastic or tooth-coloured brackets and wires which makes them less noticeable.
While they are just as effective at teeth straightening as their metal counterparts they do have the same potential to feel uncomfortable. The main disadvantage of them, however, is that without proper cleaning the elastic bands used on them can easily stain. The materials used also make them clear braces more expensive than metal braces. Treatment time may be slightly longer than with metal braces.
Cost: £2,000 to £6,000
Damon Braces are a type of brace known as ‘self-litigating’. They differ from traditional braces in that they use a built-in system that secures the arch wire to the brackets but also a small gate-like sliding mechanism that closes over the brackets.
As with traditional braces, they still require periodic adjustments. They can cause discomfort, particularly following an adjustment but this may be less than with traditional braces.
Their advantages include fewer orthodontic visits and easier cleaning. Furthermore, patients looking for a less noticeable brace can opt for clear Damon braces. Treatment time on average is 6 months less than for traditional braces.
Cost: £1,500 – £6,000
Another of the teeth straightening options is Lingual Braces. These work in the same way as traditional metal braces with the difference being that they are attached with brackets to the inside of the teeth. Cosmetically, lingual braces are far superior to metal braces because they can’t be seen when you smile. On the downside, lingual braces require special training and technical expertise so they are harder to source and more expensive. Treatment time is 12-24 months on average.
Cost: £2,000 to £10,000
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of removable clear aligners over the teeth similar to a mouthguard. While there are several brands of clear aligners in the UK, Invisalign is the best known and most established brand. However, companies like Straight My Teeth provide at-home clear aligner teeth straightening which is considerably more affordable (more about that later).
Clear aligner treatment is suitable for a wide range of orthodontic problems although patients with more complex problems may need a traditional brace to fix their teeth.
Treatment consists of a series of aligners that are worn sequentially to gradually reposition the teeth. Regular check-ups are required to monitor your performance and to collect the next series of aligners. The average treatment length is 12-18 months.
Cost: £1,500 to £5,500
Teeth straightening at home is a great way to correct gapped or crooked teeth helping you to create the beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted. However, it’s not a solution for all orthodontic problems and is generally intended for cosmetic enhancement of the smile.
Our Straight My Teeth treatment for example improves smiles in an average of 6 months (or longer) and keeps the procedure simple and comfortable. No more wires and brackets to irritate your mouth.
SMT clear aligners are the clearest on the market. They are designed to fit snugly over the teeth applying gentle pressure so that over a few months teeth will move into that ideal arch shape. In doing so it creates the perfect space for the teeth to align into a straighter, healthier smile.
We supply risk-free DIY impression kits from which your custom aligners are made. These are then delivered directly to your door together with a set of retainers and free teeth whitening kit included. All that’s left is to start wearing them as instructed. It couldn’t be easier.
Cost: £1499 £1199 or £110.00 a month.
Clearly, SMT clear aligners are the most affordable of the teeth straightening options that we’ve mentioned above.
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