What Private Braces and Aligners Really Cost in the UK (2026)
Last updated 29 September 2026
Orthodontic treatment is quoted as a whole course, not per appointment, so the number you see on a price list is meant to cover the full journey from your first fitting to the day the brace or aligners come off, though what's included in that varies between practices.
Quick answer: based on 201 practices that publish a price on Keystone, braces and clear aligners cost from £999 to £5,950 for a full course, with most practices charging £2,000 to £3,500. Clear aligners for minor tooth movement sit at the lower end, and complex fixed brace cases at the higher end.
What actually drives the price difference
- Type of treatment. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, and lingual braces fitted behind the teeth are all priced differently, and not every practice offers all four.
- How much movement is needed. A short course to close a small gap costs less than a full course correcting a more complicated bite.
- What's included afterwards. Retainers and review appointments after the brace comes off are sometimes bundled into the course price and sometimes charged separately, so ask before you commit.
- Who's doing the treatment. A specialist orthodontist and a general dentist offering orthodontics can both treat straightforward cases, but pricing and experience with complex cases often differ.
What UK dental practices are currently charging
Based on 201 practices that publish a course of braces or aligners price on Keystone:
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Lowest published price | £999 |
| Most practices charge | £2,000 to £3,500 |
| Typical (median) price | £2,895 |
| Highest published price | £5,950 |
We leave out prices below a quarter of the typical price, since these are almost always a smaller related item rather than the full treatment.
Cheapest practices for braces and aligners
| Practice | Area | Full course |
|---|---|---|
| Aromaden Teddington | London TW11 | from £999 |
| Bluebell Dental Practice Limited - Chigwell | London IG6 | from £999 |
| Shape Dental Clinic | London NW6 | from £1,000 |
| Imperial Dental Group - Monument Road | B16 | £1,000 |
| Improve Your Smile Limited | London IG8 | from £1,200 |
| Woodford House Dental Practice | London IG8 | from £1,200 |
| Hayes Dental Clinic | London UB3 | from £1,250 |
| Petts Hill Dental Practice | London UB5 | from £1,320 |
Best rated practices for braces and aligners
Highest Google ratings among practices with at least 20 reviews.
| Practice | Area | Full course | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulham Road Dental | London SW6 | £3,145 | 5.0 (631) |
| Caring Dental | London BR5 | from £3,500 | 5.0 (547) |
| Pine Dental & Aesthetics | London SM2 | £2,800 | 5.0 (363) |
| The Whitehouse Dental Clinic | London TW9 | from £5,400 | 5.0 (350) |
| West House Dental | London HA5 | £3,500 | 5.0 (279) |
| Dental Artistry | London N8 | from £1,800 | 5.0 (247) |
Because this is a course price rather than a per-visit fee, always ask what happens if treatment runs longer than expected, and whether retainers are included once the active treatment ends.
Compare private braces and aligner prices near you
Search your postcode on Keystone to see practices offering braces and clear aligners near you, ranked by distance, price and patient rating, and request an appointment directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare private braces and aligner prices near you →Frequently asked questions
How much do braces cost in the UK?
Based on 201 practices that publish a price on Keystone, a full course of braces or aligners costs from £999 to £5,950, with most practices charging £2,000 to £3,500. The type of treatment and how much movement is needed both affect the price.
Are clear aligners cheaper than traditional braces?
Not always. For minor cases, aligners can be cheaper or similar in price to braces, but for more complex movement, aligner treatment can cost more, since it often needs more sets of trays.
Does the course price include retainers afterwards?
It depends on the practice, so ask specifically. Retainers are needed after any orthodontic treatment to stop teeth drifting back, and being told about this cost upfront avoids a surprise at the end of treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
It varies by case, from a few months for minor aligner treatment to two years or more for complex fixed braces. Your orthodontist will give you a specific estimate once they've assessed your teeth.