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Types of braces
What are dental braces?
Dental braces are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth, correct issues such as crowding, gaps, overbite and underbite, and improve the appearance of your smile. Using wires and brackets or removable aligners, braces apply consistent pressure to shift the position of your teeth over time.
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, so whether you’re looking for removable and near-invisible options, or fixed metal braces for under 18s, you’re in good hands. Plus, we offer free, no-obligation consultations* so you can discuss your options with one of our experienced team members before committing to treatment.
Why do people need dental braces?
There are several reasons why people want to straighten their teeth.
Orthodontic treatment with dental braces is most often used to improve the appearance of your smile, which can provide better confidence and wellbeing. However, braces will often also improve bite function and chewing ability, help with speech issues caused by crooked or protruding teeth, and make teeth easier to clean to maintain better oral health.
How do dental braces work?
Dental braces use brackets and wires attached to the surface of the teeth or clear removable aligners, both of which apply gentle and consistent pressure to gradually shift the teeth into a straighter position. Treatment typically lasts between 12 and 30 months, although milder cases can be corrected sooner.
How much do braces cost?
We know that cost can be a factor when you’re considering orthodontic treatment. At Total Orthodontics, we believe in transparent pricing and we’ll always give you an exact cost before you start treatment.
To get an understanding of how much braces cost, have a look at the starting prices below. Everyone’s smile is different, so the price of your treatment depends completely on your individual needs. To get an accurate cost, you'll need to book a free consultation*.
Type of braces |
Cost |
|---|---|
| Invisalign Express | From £3,350 to £4,775 |
| Invisalign Comprehensive | From £4,000 to £5,500 |
| Fixed metal braces | Single arch from £2,255 to £4,200 |
| Ceramic fixed braces | Single arch from £2,650 to £4,500 |
| Under 18s braces | Single arch from £1,600 to £4,385 |
| Orthodontic Essentials (under 18s only) | £3,190** |
Spread the cost of your teeth straightening treatment†
Get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted with finance options that suit you, including 0% APR up to 36 months or 7.9% APR over 48 or 60 months.
Ask us about hassle-free finance with Novuna Personal Finance today. T&Cs apply.
What different types of braces are available at Total Orthodontics?
Our specialists offer a comprehensive range of teeth straightening options. Whether you're interested in discreet ceramic braces, convenient removable aligners (like Invisalign) or fixed metal braces, you're in expert hands. Learn more about each brace type to find your perfect solution, then book your free, no-obligation consultation* to discuss braces options with our experienced team.
Clear aligners
At Total Orthodontics, we offer removable and clear aligners custom-made to straighten your teeth discreetly. These include Invisalign Treatment: custom-made, virtually invisible clear aligners that are removable for convenience.
Best for: Adults and teens with mild to moderate spacing or crowding who value maximum discretion and lifestyle flexibility
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Learn more about clear aligners
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are an effective and reliable orthodontic solution, using wires and brackets bonded to your teeth to achieve a straighter smile. At Total Orthodontics, we offer a variety of fixed brace options, including:
- Fixed metal braces: Stainless steel brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a flexible wire Best for: Complex dental issues (severe crowding or bite misalignments) and budget-conscious patients
- Ceramic braces: Tooth-coloured brackets for a more discreet way of straightening your smile Best for: Those who want the effectiveness of metal braces but need a discreet professional look
- Lingual Braces: Expertly placed on the inside surface of your teeth for a virtually-invisible option Best for: Professionals or adults who want discreet treatment but have complex cases unsuitable for aligners
- Damon braces: With clear brackets and without the elastic bands sometimes used with traditional braces, Damon braces are often less noticeable than other orthodontic treatments. Best for: Individuals seeking a comfortable and more discreet orthodontic solution
Braces for children and teens
At Total Orthodontics, our specialist orthodontists offer a range of braces suitable for children and teens, helping them achieve a healthy, confident smile. Whether you're looking for traditional braces or discreet aligners, our expert team is here to guide you and your child.
Our options for children's orthodontic treatment include:
- Traditional fixed braces for children: Reliable solutions for comprehensive teeth straightening
- NHS orthodontics: Options for severe crowding of the teeth
- Twin block braces: An option to correct protruding teeth
Jaw surgery
Jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) may be needed when there is a significant mismatch between the upper and lower jaws that cannot be corrected with braces alone. It is often recommended to help with long-term issues such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing or breathing, and sleep apnoea.
A dental specialist will assess whether surgery is necessary based on several factors, including:
- Severe bite problems – Difficulty biting, chewing or swallowing properly. This can include open bites (where the front teeth do not meet), as well as pronounced overbites or underbites.
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – When the position of the jaw or a narrow airway causes breathing interruptions during sleep, and other treatments (such as a CPAP machine) have not worked.
- Ongoing jaw pain – Persistent pain or issues with the jaw joint (TMJ), including clicking or locking, that have not improved with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy or splints.
- Facial asymmetry – Noticeable differences in the size or position of the upper and lower jaws, which may affect facial balance or make it difficult to close the lips comfortably.
- Injury or trauma – Surgery may be needed to repair and restore the jaw after a fracture or serious facial injury.
- Speech difficulties – When the position of the jaw affects clear speech and pronunciation of certain sounds.
Free consultations
We offer free, no-obligation consultations* for teeth straightening, so you can explore your options and have your questions answered before committing to any treatment.
27 practices
We have 27 modern, friendly and welcoming practices nationwide, providing orthodontic care for patients seeking happier, healthier and straighter smiles.
Wide range of treatments
From discreet Invisalign aligners to fixed braces and cosmetic teeth straightening, our specialists provide a range of treatments using the latest innovations.
20 years' experience
We’ve been straightening smiles for over 20 years, meaning we’re a trusted name for all your specialist orthodontic needs.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Consultations subject to availability.
3. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
We recognise that when you give us personal information (which includes health information) you’re trusting us to take good care of it. Please see www.bupa.co.uk/privacy for more information about how we collect, use and protect your data.
If you don’t want to receive marketing about Bupa products and services that we think are relevant to you, please contact us at [email protected].
Our orthodontists
†Finance terms and conditions:
Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.
The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration no: 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through; http://www.fca.org.uk/.
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Consultations subject to availability.
3. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
