Many people, although unhappy with their smile, wonder if it is too late or too expensive to change it. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can begin at almost any age. However, it is helpful to know when it is advisable, what types of adult braces are available and how long the treatment lasts and what it costs.

Can braces be worn at any age?

Yes, orthodontic treatment is available, and often indicated, regardless of age. The key condition is the health of the teeth and gums - in cases of advanced periodontitis or severe missing teeth, prior dental treatment may be necessary.

So when is it worth considering a camera Orthodontic for adults?

The decision to have braces can be for a variety of reasons, both health and aesthetic. It is worth considering orthodontic treatment if they are present:

• malocclusion (e.g. forebite, Posterior tiger, crossbite), you can read more about this in our article "Malocclusion in adults - causes, consequences and treatment"
• crowding and rotation of teeth,
• excessive gaps between teeth, about which more in the text "Gap between teeth - where does it come from and how can it be removed?"
• chewing and pronunciation problems,
• excessive tooth wear. In some cases, adult braces are even a necessity - for example, when an improper bite causes gum problems, jaw pain or leads to accelerated tooth loss.

If you are considering starting treatment, it is best to start with a consultation with your dentist, who will discuss the details, plan and costs with you. 

Types of orthodontic appliances for adults

Today, adult patients have a choice of several types of braces, which vary in aesthetics, wearing comfort and price. We have listed the most popular ones below. 

The first are metal braces. They are made of stainless steel. It is the cheapest solution, but it is also the most visible to the patient. It is used to treat even severe malocclusion.

Aesthetic braces - made of porcelain or crystal, less visible than metal braces. However, they can be more prone to discolouration are also slightly larger than metal ones. 

Lingual braces - placed on the inside side of the teeth, virtually invisible, but more expensive and requiring greater precision in use.

Orthodontic trays (Invisalign) - clear, removable trays, very aesthetically pleasing but not always effective for complex malocclusions. Read more about these adult orthodontic appliances in the text "Orthodontic overlays, or what are aligners"

What does the treatment look like and how long does it last?

The orthodontic treatment process begins with the already mentioned consultation, during which the orthodontist carries out a detailed diagnosis and prepares a treatment plan. After the braces have been fitted, regular check-ups are necessary, during which the doctor adjusts the braces to the progress of the treatment.

Treatment time for adult orthodontic appliances Depends on the complexity of the malocclusion. On average, it lasts from 12 to 36 months. It is important to take proper care of the teeth and the braces themselves during this period, as discussed more in the text "How do I look after my teeth with braces?" 

Once the braces have been removed, a retainer, i.e. a special cap or wire to maintain the effects of the treatment, is required. In turn, we wrote more on this subject in the article "Retention braces in the UK - key information".

How much do adult braces cost in the UK?

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type of braces and the complexity of the defect, as well as the practice. Approximate prices for braces alone in UK dental practices are:

• Metal braces - from £600 to £2,000 for the whole treatment process,
• Aesthetic braces - from £9,00 to £2,500,
• Lingual braces - from £2,500 to £5,000,
• Invisalign overlays - from £1,200.

If these prices scare you see our price list and make an appointment. At our clinic you can take advantage of a secure instalment system regulated by the  Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628). Importantly, the first 12 months are zero interest, so you only pay back the amount you spent on treatment. 

Read more about this in the article "Instalment braces in the UK" or by contacting us.