Types of braces in the UK - which to choose?

Types of braces in the UK - which to choose?

On 22 October 201925 June 2024In Orthodontic treatment

Metal, ceramic or sapphire? Permanent or removable? These days you can choose from many types of braces in the UK. What are the differences, for whom is the best one, what is the price of braces in the UK and is it really better and cheaper to have them fitted in Poland? If you are interested in this topic - be sure to read our text.

It used to be that braces were only associated with teenagers. Nowadays, more and more adults want to have straight teeth, correct malocclusion or pronunciation defects or gaps between teeth. If you are in this group and do not want to fly for every appointment, make an appointment with the Polish orthodontist in the UKto help you choose the best braces for you.  

If you want to know the causes of crooked teeth or prevent them in your children - be sure to read our article "Crooked teeth - causes and how to get rid of an embarrassing smile„.

There is now a very large choice of braces in the UK. Below are the most popular ones, should you have any further questions -. write to us.

Braces are divided into two, basic groups: fixed and removable. Let's start with the former.

The image shows three jaw models with braces attached in different colours. In the foreground are small coloured pieces of braces. All the components lie on a light-coloured background.

Fixed braces in the UK

As the name suggests, it is permanently attached to the teeth and fitted in the dental surgery. It consists of brackets (knuckles) and rings that are tightened at subsequent check-ups, so that the teeth move in the right direction.

IMPORTANT: Fixed braces are only fitted to patients who already have all their permanent teeth.

In this group you will find:

metal braces in the UK

Metal braces

Made of stainless steel. It is the cheapest type of braces and is also the most visible to the patient.

Prices for such braces in the UK range from £550 to £1100 (in Polish clinics*) to as much as £2500 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

*The cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price. Their number depends on the individual needs of the patient and the length of treatment.

The photograph shows a close-up of a smiling person's mouth showing ceramic braces fitted to the lower teeth. The braces are made of clear ceramic pieces attached to the teeth to gradually straighten them.

Ceramic orthodontic appliance

In this case, the brackets are made of ceramic material and are much less conspicuous thanks to their milky white colour. Ceramic braces are slightly larger than metal braces and more prone to staining, so those who opt for them should avoid certain foods such as beetroot.

Nowadays, more and more people are opting for coloured brackets, treating braces as one of the design elements that will make them stand out from the crowd.

Prices for ceramic braces in the UK range from £850 to £1600 (in Polish clinics*) to as much as £3000 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

*The cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price. Their number depends on the individual needs of the patient and the length of treatment.

The photograph shows a close-up view of braces fitted to the upper and lower jaw teeth. The metal orthodontic brackets and the thin wires connecting them together are visible. The braces are designed to straighten and correct the alignment of the teeth. The mouth is slightly parted, allowing a clear view of the braces.

Sapphire braces in the UK

The brackets are transparent, making the appliance hardly visible. For an even better effect, it is advisable to opt for ligatures (rubber bands) in colours similar to your teeth. These braces are also slightly larger than metal braces.

Prices for sapphire braces range from £850 to £1600 (in Polish clinics*) to as much as £3000 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

*The cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price. Their number depends on the individual needs of the patient and the length of treatment.

Lingual braces

This is a completely different orthodontic appliance in the UK from the above. It differs primarily in that it is fitted from the inside of the teeth, making it completely invisible. It is also much more comfortable for the patient. The downside is the high price, which is due, among other things, to the fact that the brackets are made individually for each patient.

The price of lingual braces ranges from £3,000 to £5,000 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

The painting depicts a blue plastic dental tray holding dental instruments such as a mirror and pliers. Outlined facial shapes and head silhouettes are visible next to it, alluding to the dental theme. Overall, the photograph has a minimalist, abstract style.

Removable braces in the UK

This is a type of brace that the patient can remove at any time. The advantage of this solution is certainly much easier care of proper oral hygiene. Removable braces are worn in accordance with the doctor's instructions, usually several hours a day. They are mainly used for children and adolescents.

Removable orthodontic appliances are made to suit the individual patient, so there are many types. They are most commonly used for the treatment of minor malocclusion. Among the most popular are:

The image shows a close-up on the mouth of a person placing a clear, removable Essix maxillary orthodontic splint on the teeth. The fingers holding the splint and the mouth with pink lips and white teeth are visible.

Retention braces

It is an integral part of orthodontic treatment. Once it has been completed and the teeth are properly aligned, it helps to consolidate the whole effect. How long should it be worn? This depends on the needs of the individual patient.

The price of removable retention braces ranges from £70 to £300 (in Polish clinics*) to as much as £3,000 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

*The cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price. Their number depends on the individual needs of the patient and the length of treatment.

Removable orthodontic appliance - Invisalign

These are special transparent trays on the teeth, which are replaced every two weeks on average. Their shape and size are individually adapted to the patient, who can remove the braces at any time.

Removable orthodontic appliance - Clear Aligner

As above, these are transparent trays, but in this case the patient has to wear them almost all the time. He can only remove the braces for eating and brushing his teeth. The overlays are almost transparent, so they are hardly visible.

Close-up photo of a smiling face of a person showing two clear braces - one blue and one red. This shows the choice of braces colours available for orthodontic treatment.

Other removable orthodontic appliances

Like the above, they are made for a specific patient. They are most commonly constructed of an acrylic plate with screws and springs and some steel wire. The patient can remove it at any time, but it is recommended to wear it a minimum of several hours a day.

Prices for removable orthodontic appliances in the UK range from £300 to £2500 (in Polish clinics*) to as much as £4,500 (in UK private clinics including follow-up appointments).

*The cost of follow-up visits should be added to the price. Their number depends on the individual needs of the patient and the length of treatment.

The image shows two smiling dental office staff in white uniforms standing next to a dental chair and medical equipment. A man with glasses and a woman pose in the professional setting of the dental facility.

Polish orthodontist in the UK, or a flight home

There is still a belief that if there is something wrong with our teeth, it is best to go to Poland or, when visiting family, to fill cavities and get rid of calculus. Many people believe that Polish dental care is of a higher standard and, most importantly, is cheaper.

As difficult as it is still to argue with the first argument, the second is true. Dental services, including braces, are cheaper. However, there is a but...

  • Firstly, if you want to save money on your teeth you need to treat them in small towns. Often the prices of dental services in large conurbations are comparable or even more expensive than in Polish clinics in the UK.
  • Secondly, many people forget that if they decide to have longer treatment, which is what braces are, regular visits will be necessary. This means additional flights to Poland. Then the price for treatment is no longer attractive. Why?

Let's say you plan to get the simplest and cheapest metal braces. Its price in Poland is a minimum of 1500 zlotys, i.e. about £300, plus the first visit and a minimum of 4 subsequent visits - at a cost of £20 per visit. If we assume that the price of the ticket to Poland and back is about £80, the total cost - still without the removal of the braces - is £800.

The painting depicts the interior of a dental office. Dental instruments are visible, including a dental chair, dental instruments, a treatment lamp and cabinets of medical supplies. The interior colour scheme is in shades of white and blue, adding to the professional and hygienic look.

Braces in the UK

In the UK, you'll pay £750 for the same treatment including follow-up appointments, and you'll also gain professional on-site support should something go wrong. Clearly, it is easier to make an appointment with a Polish orthodontist in the UK than to arrange a trip to Poland. In addition, you can spread the entire amount of your treatment in instalments.

You can read more about this in our article "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase„. Importantly, our instalment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).

So before you decide on braces, consider what option will be best for you and your budget. And if you have questions - write to us, we will be happy to clear up any confusion.