There is no contradiction to the fact that a straighter smile is beautiful and captivating. It pays off a long way, strengthening relationships, both personal and professional.
However, not everyone has a naturally beautiful and aligned set of teeth. Only professional treatments can help out in such a condition. This obviously comes at a price.
Braces are the most basic and sought-after treatment for aligning smiles, worldwide. In London, braces are typically available within £1,500 and £10,000.
In this comprehensive guide below, we will be explaining the cost structure in detail.
Why straight teeth is important?
Besides enhancing dental aesthetics, teeth straightening helps prevent oral problems. Crooked teeth is often associated with tooth decay, gum issues and jaw troubles. Over time, issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems may arise.
A popular way to restore teeth alignment is using braces. It is an excellent tool to prevent subsequent dental problems. Here is a list of benefits that you can obtain.
- Improved bite size
- Bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw pain management
- Minimised chances of tooth decay
- Prevention of costlier dental treatments down the line.
What are the various types of braces and how much do they cost?
Several braces are available in London, with each one helping to treat specific dental abnormalities. Some of the most common ones are:
Traditional braces with metal brackets and wires
Also known as fixed braces, this orthodontic appliance works by fitting onto the teeth surface. The braces have metal brackets and wires, gradually shifting the crooked teeth into their normal position. Generally, braces take about two years to show visible results. Price range is £1,500 – £3,000.
Clear aligners
These dental appliances function similar to mouthguards and can straighten teeth without compromising your smile aesthetics. Transparent aligners are best for image-conscious adults who seek to have a discreet teeth straightening option. Another advantage is that these aligners are removable. In UK, the cost of these braces fall in the range of £674 – £5,000.
Self-ligating brackets
Unlike fixed metal braces, self-litigating braces have a built-in system. It keeps the arched wire in a taught position, preventing the need for frequent dental adjustments. Other advantages include: convenient cleaning, minimal discomfort and shorter treatment times. You can expect the costs somewhere between £1,500 and £6,000.
Ceramic braces
These braces are made of special porcelain that mimics the natural tooth colour. Porcelain is a very strong and resistant material that gives out a shine for a better appearance.
Generally, white-coloured ceramic braces are recommended. However, one is free to choose among a wide range of colours. This makes these braces popular among adolescents who are more focused on developing their looks. Average price is £4000.
Lingual braces
These are in a way ‘invisible’ and function similar to conventional fixed metal braces. The reason why they are called invisible is that the straightening alliance is attached to the teeth’s back surface. Lingual braces are efficient as well as aesthetically appealing. The price range is within £2,000 – £10,000.
Why braces are so expensive in London?
Adult orthodontic treatment is very complicated, requiring sophisticated approaches. Moreover, results can be unpredictable with extended time periods. Here are some factors that determine the costs of braces in London.
- Location of teeth arches: Extensively misaligned and high-positioned arches will require complex treatment procedures. This will in turn raise the costs.
- Complexity of the dental issue: Overcrowding of teeth and severe misalignment will require advanced teeth straightening procedures.
- Number of sessions involved: More complicated dental problem will incur higher treatment prices.
- The expertise of the dental professional: Expert orthodontists will of course charge premium than general dentists.
- Location of clinic: Clinics located in metropolitan cities will have higher pricing than those situated in less developed regions.
Additional factors that affect the price
- Initial consultation: Some London orthodontists may charge fees exclusively for the first appointment.
- Pre treatment procedures: If you require a more advanced design for aligners, 3D and other imaging procedures will be employed. This will raise the costs.
- Retainers for maintenance of treatment results: After the straightening procedure is complete, retainers are essential to maintain the longevity of the outcomes. These are generally out of the treatment package.
- Aftercare products for better dental health: Extra equipment may be required for maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and gums, post-treatment. This is to prevent future dental issues. Some common products recommended by orthodontists are:
- Special spindle-headed toothbrushes
- Interdental brushes
- An electric toothbrush to clean the brackets
- Dental flossers
- Dental wax (this helps alleviate gum or soft tissue abrasion caused by metal brackets and wires)
An alternate way to achieve straighter teeth
Teeth straightening often presents the hassle of:
- Extensive preparatory work
- Frequent dental visits
- Costly diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays and 3D imaging
- Chasing behind dentists to obtain price estimations
- Keeping additional budget for oral hygiene
To avoid the above, try out at-home invisible aligners. They are a revolutionary way to align crooked teeth without much expense. But, before that, let’s clarify a few questions.
Is it possible to receive braces free of cost in the UK?
For kids, the conventional metal “train-track” braces are provided free of charge through the NHS. Nonetheless, waiting lists might be extended because of significant demand.
Unfortunately, the NHS funding is generally not accessible for adults. It is available only in rare situations utilising a grading system referred to as Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need – abbreviated as IOTN.
As a result, if you’re seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult in the UK, you’ll have to pay for your braces out of pocket as a private patient.
What are some ways to reduce expenses on braces?
Compare options
Finding a simple method to cut costs on orthodontic care requires a considerable amount of time-consuming research. You should, thus, consider if the value of your time justifies the effort put in.
If thorough research is performed, you can shortlist some possible orthodontists. The following step is to schedule a consultation.
As previously mentioned, the costs of braces are influenced by various factors, despite the complexity of your situation. As a result, an orthodontist will need to evaluate your condition.
This will probably require an initial consultation fee, along with expenses for diagnostics like X-rays, and makes comparing prices for a good deal difficult – each first appointment might exceed £200.
Coverage
While dental insurance exists, it is not common in the UK. The majority of insurances probably won’t offer coverage for adult orthodontics, and even if they do, it’s questionable whether any policy will cover the full expense of the treatment.
Dental institutions
If you reside close to a dental school or dental hospital, you might have the chance to receive treatment from trainee dentists overseen by an experienced dentist. Care is generally complimentary or significantly subsidised, but you will require an initial consultation.
Conclusion
London braces are usually helpful and cost-effective. However, it is important to obtain a good orthodontist first. Compare locally available dental clinics and get to know the quality of services provided. Once you are set, book an appointment and achieve a straighter and healthier set of pearly whites!