Orthodontics
Orthodontics are used to straighten crooked or crowded teeth.
Edited by Gurmandeep Sond, Former Clinical Development Manager at Bupa Dental Care, October 2024
Next review due October 2029
Orthodontic treatment involves using devices like fixed braces or clear aligners.
The devices can straighten crooked or crowded teeth.
They can also corrects gaps between your teeth, and common issues like an overjet or a deep bite.
Orthodontics are suitable for all ages, and there are a range of options to choose from.
How do braces work?
Braces apply gentle pressure to your teeth, which moves them to the desired position.
After your treatment is complete, you ll need to wear a retainer to keep your straight teeth in place.
Clear, removable aligners
Clear aligners are thin, transparent trays that are custom-made to your smile.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are made up of brackets which are attached to your teeth, and joined together with wires.
Cosmetic teeth straightening
Straighten only the front, visible teeth. Cosmetic teeth straightening can take as little as six months.
Metal, removable braces
Removable braces clip onto the back teeth and can be taken out for brushing, sport, eating or playing instruments.
1. Initial consultation
Start by booking a consultation with a dentist or specialist orthodontist. You can do this by calling your local practice.
2. Your treatment plan
We ll discuss your treatment plan with you. Your personal treatment plan will include the number of appointments you need, as well as details of the costs involved.
3. Your orthodontic treatment
Once your brace or aligner is fitted, your specialist will see you every few weeks or months. Your specialist will adjust your brace or give you new aligners if necessary.
4. Aftercare
Your specialist may suggest treatments to boost your straighter smile. This could be teeth whitening, or composite bonding to fix chipped or discoloured teeth.
Your clinician will give you a retainer to keep your teeth straight, once your treatment is complete.
Get a quote from your dentist
The cost of braces depends on the type of braces you have, and the treatment you undergo.
The best way to get an exact quote, is to book in with one of our dentists or orthodontists.
0% APR** finance offers available
If you re worried about the cost of orthodontics treatment, you can spread the cost of your treatment over 12 , 18 or 24 months.
How Invisalign aligners helped Lucy
Invisalign case study | Watch in 1:15 minutes
Hear how Lucy straightened her smile with Invisalign at the Parade Specialist Dental Centre in Cardiff.
Worried about orthodontic treatment?
Don't let dental anxiety get in the way of good health
If you or a family member are worried about orthodontic treatment, we’re here to support you.
There’s plenty we can do to make you feel comfortable.
Before and after treatment with Colchester Ipswich Road
Before
After
I'm interested in braces, what are the next steps?
To get care from an NHS orthodontist, you'll need a referral from your usual dentist.
They'll refer you to an orthodontist, who can decide whether treatment is suitable.
If you or your child aren't eligible for NHS care, or you'd prefer a private option, contact your nearest practice.
They'll examine your smile, discuss your needs then recommend the best treatment options. contact your nearest practice
Can I have braces on the NHS?
For under 18s, NHS orthodontics are available for free, if their dentist thinks it's required.
Most adults will need to have private orthodontic care, as NHS orthodontics aren't typically available for over 18s.
NHS orthodontics are only available with traditional metal braces.
What is an orthodontist?
Orthodontists focus on teeth straightening and bite correction.
Teeth straightening at Bupa Dental Care is carried out by experienced orthodontists, and all of our dentists and orthodontists are fully certified.
Braces for children and teens
If your child isn’t eligible for NHS orthodontics, or would prefer a more discreet option, they can have treatment with a private dentist.
A range of options are available, including virtually invisible solutions.
Can you have orthodontics twice?
You can have treatment again if you'd like to straighten your smile.
Looking for a discreet option? Near-invisible solutions such as clear aligners, clear ceramic braces and braces behind the teeth are available.
It's important to care for your braces properly. This prevents breakage and any delays to your treatment.
We've put together the following advice to support you in your journey.
More reasons to choose Bupa Dental Care
An orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on teeth straightening and bite correction. Specialist orthodontists first qualify as dentists before undertaking full-time study in orthodontics.
At Bupa Dental Care, we have both experienced orthodontists and dentists who carry out teeth straightening. All our dentists are fully certified in the orthodontic systems they provide.
For adults and children, orthodontics can correct a range of concerns, including bite issues, speech difficulties and problems with eating. Crooked or wonky teeth may affect your confidence and can lead to oral and general health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
According to the NHS, one third of children require orthodontic treatment.1 In severe cases of crowded, protruding or missing teeth, overbite or underbite, or anything that prevents teeth from growing normally, a dentist will refer a child to a specialist orthodontist. The specialist orthodontist will use a scale called the IOTN (Index of Treatment Need) to assess if the child is eligible for NHS care.
If your child isn’t eligible for NHS orthodontics, private treatment is available, which includes more discreet brace and aligner options.
Orthodontics can treat most overbite concerns. During your initial consultation the dentist or orthodontist will carry out a full assessment of your teeth and recommend suitable treatment options.
After braces are fitted and adjusted, and when you change aligners, you can expect initial discomfort, until your mouth adjusts. In some cases, the aligner edges or brackets on your braces can rub onto the gums and cheeks.
These symptoms are only temporary, and you should quickly adjust to your brace. You can also use remedies to ease any discomfort.
Fixed braces are small brackets that are attached to each tooth and joined by a wire. The wire is tightened during your treatment to gently move your teeth until they reach their new position.
Clear aligners are worn in a series to gradually realign your smile. Your dentist will fit the first set, when ready, and check they’re comfortable. Every six to eight weeks, your clinician will check progress and provide you with a new set of aligners.
There is no upper age limit to having braces fitted. Children usually have treatment around age 10 to 15, but younger children may be accepted in certain cases.
If you have fixed braces, it’s best to avoid foods that could damage the wires, including sticky, hard or crunchy foods, such as toffee, raw carrot and nuts. If you have removable braces or aligners, your diet isn’t impacted, but your braces should be removed for eating and drinking, and you should avoid sugar between meals. Find out more about caring for your braces or aligners.
To access NHS orthodontic care, you’ll need a referral from your usual dentist to a specialist orthodontist, who’ll determine your suitability.
If you or your child isn’t eligible for NHS care, or would prefer a private option, contact your nearest practice to book an orthodontics consultation. They'll examine your smile, discuss your needs then recommend the best treatment options.
*1. Free initial consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic tests required, and any associated costs will be discussed prior to treatment commencing. 2. Consultations subject to availability.
**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.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name 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 number 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 www.fca.org.uk.
1. LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed. If you require verification, please email [email protected]
^ We may record or monitor our calls.
2 Source: LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. For a list of all our different trading names please follow this link.
