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Braces for children and teens
Why do children and teens need braces?
It’s common for children and teenagers to need braces for a variety of reasons. Their permanent teeth may be crooked, or their teeth might not fit together the way they should. There are a number of factors that can cause these problems, from genetics to childhood habits like thumb-sucking.
At Total Orthodontics, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including solutions that have been specially developed for children and teens. Our orthodontists first trained as dentists, and then went on to complete a further three years of study and training before earning the title of specialist.
How much do braces for children and teens cost?
NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear health need for treatment. But because of high demand, there can be a long waiting list.
If your child or teen doesn’t qualify for NHS care or you’d prefer for them to receive private treatment, Total Orthodontics offers several options. While the cost of braces depends on the severity of your child’s case and the length of treatment, estimated costs include:
Type of braces |
Cost |
|---|---|
| Orthodontic Essentials | A fixed metal brace option for under 18s: £3,190** |
| Traditional fixed metal braces | From £3,750 for both top and bottom teeth |
| Invisalign clear aligners | From £3,995 for children and teens 11-18 |
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.
When should children see an orthodontist?
Children can begin orthodontic treatment:
- When their dentist or orthodontist feels it’s most appropriate, in some cases from seven years of age
- Their permanent (adult) teeth have come through
- If your child is struggling with severe crowding or jaw pain, and orthodontic treatment is recommended
Your dentist may refer your child to Total Orthodontics for treatment. However, you’re welcome to contact us at any time to discuss private options, as some of our treatments are designed specifically for under-18s.
What treatments are offered by Total Orthdontics for children and teens?
Invisalign
Invisalign Teen has been specially created for younger smiles, allowing teenagers to achieve a confident new smile without the need for metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign Teen uses a series of removable, clear aligners instead of traditional fixed braces to gradually straighten the teeth. It has features specifically designed for children and are more comfortable than fixed braces1.
NHS orthodontics
Some of our practices offer NHS orthodontic care to under 18s who are referred to us by their general dentist. Treatment is free for those who qualify. Read more about what NHS orthodontic care involves and the criteria for qualifying.
Orthodontic Essentials
If your child doesn’t qualify for NHS treatment, our Orthodontic Essentials treatment could be the solution you’re looking for. Available only to under 18s, it includes a fixed metal brace for £3,190** at selected practices only.
Twin Block Braces
Twin Block braces consist of two removable appliances that work together to correct the position of the jaw. By encouraging the lower jaw to sit slightly forward, they are an effective treatment during growth spurts in teens. Twin Block Braces are often used as the first stage of a two-phase treatment plan for straightening teeth.
What to expect at your child's first braces appointment
We’ll keep you in the know at each step of your teeth straightening journey. Find out what to expect from your first Total Orthodontics appointment.
Why choose Total Orthodontics?
Our primary focus is on creating straighter, healthier smiles for our patients. Some of the benefits of Total Orthodontics includes:
UK-wide practices
We have practices all over the UK providing teeth straightening, including some offering NHS orthodontic care
Specialist orthodontists
Our specialist orthodontists first trained as dentists and then completed a further three years of training before earning the title of specialist
25 years’ experience
We have over 25 years’ experience straightening smiles, meaning we’re really good at it
At what age can children have braces?
Most children begin treatment between ages 10 and 14 once their permanent teeth have emerged, although earlier initial assessments (from around age seven) are sometimes recommended if there are concerns about jaw development.
Do children’s braces always work?
Most treatments are highly effective, provided your child follows their orthodontist’s instructions and maintains excellent oral hygiene throughout the process. Success relies heavily on consistent wear (especially for removable aligners) and attending regular adjustment appointments.
How long will my child have to wear braces?
Most treatments last between 12 and 24 months, though this varies depending on the complexity or severity of their individual needs. After the braces are removed, wearing a retainer is essential to ensure the teeth stay in their new, straight position.
What foods should be avoided with braces?
Children should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (such as popcorn, boiled sweets, and chewing gum) which can damage wires and brackets. It is advised to cut up harder healthy snacks, like apples or raw carrots, into smaller, manageable bite-sized pieces.
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].
1 Kevin Miller et al. A comparison of treatment impacts between Invisalign aligner and fixed appliance therapy during the first week of treatment. AJO-DO. March 2007, 131: 3, 302.1-302.9
**Terms and conditions:
- £3,190 price point applies to Orthodontic Essentials at participating practices to patients aged 18 years or under.
- The price point only covers the orthodontic treatment required, in the form of traditional fixed braces, to straighten your teeth
- Prices and options for further treatment may vary depending on location and suitability.
- Price is subject to review and may be amended at any time.
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.
