Orthodontics
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics, also known as teeth straightening, involves wearing devices to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. It can also correct gaps between your teeth and common issues like an overjet or a deep bite.
Treatment options include fixed braces, which are attached to your teeth using wires and brackets, and clear, removable aligners, such as Invisalign aligners.
You might think only teenagers wear braces, but they are suitable for all ages, and depending on your individual needs, there are a range of options to choose from. We help many patients to achieve the smile they want, from children to those in their 70s.
Interested in teeth straightening?
Get in touch with your nearest Bupa practice. They can help you book an orthodontic consultation and answer any queries.
How do braces work?
Braces apply gentle pressure to your teeth, which gradually moves them to the desired position.
When treatment is complete, you’ll need to wear a retainer, as per the clinician’s instructions, to keep your straight teeth in place.
Types of braces
A range of orthodontic treatments are available, depending on your clinical needs, and preferences.
Options include clear, removable aligners, fixed braces, removable metal braces and cosmetic teeth straightening.
What to expect
Find out what to expect along your orthodontic journey, from your first consultation, through to aftercare.
Hear from some of our patients first-hand on their experiences.
How much do braces cost in the UK?
The cost of braces varies depending on the type chosen and the complexity of treatment. For an exact quote, book a consultation with one of our dentists or orthodontists.
Payment options are available at some practices, helping you spread the cost. 2
Braces FAQs
Learn the answers to commonly asked orthodontic questions, including how to know if you need braces and what foods should be avoided.
Can I have braces on the NHS?
For under 18s, NHS orthodontics is available free of charge, if their dentist thinks it’s required. NHS orthodontics isn’t typically available for adults. Most will need to have private orthodontic care.
NHS orthodontics is only available with traditional metal braces.
Can you have orthodontics twice?
Teeth can shift after treatment if retainers aren’t worn according to the dentist or orthodontist's instructions.
If you’d like to straighten your smile, it’s possible to have treatment again.
If you had fixed braces as a teenager and are looking for a more discreet option, near-invisible solutions are available, such as clear aligners, clear ceramic braces and braces behind the teeth.
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.
How long does teeth straightening take?
Length of treatment depends on a range of factors including the type of braces you have and how complex your needs are. Some treatments can take as little as four months1, while extensive treatment is likely to last between 18 and 24 months.
During your consultation, your dentist or orthodontist advise how long your treatment will take.
Do braces hurt?
You may experience some discomfort when your braces are fitted and adjusted. However, this is only temporary, and you should quickly adjust to them.
This should improve with time, but if it persists, speak to your dentist or orthodontist. You can also find advice on caring for your brace, including managing orthodontic pain. You can also find advice on caring for your brace, including managing orthodontic pain.
Why choose Bupa Dental Care for teeth straightening?
We’re open to all
We provide a range of treatments at almost 500 practices across the UK and Ireland, offering convenience and flexibility. No insurance needed. Payment options available.2
Strong expertise
We continually invest in our network of over 2,500 trusted and experienced dentists, hygienists and dental nurses, meaning our patients receive the very best in dental care.
Because we care
Patients are at the heart of our business. We take time to understand your needs, explain options and create tailored treatment plans with clear, upfront pricing.
Leading provider
Bupa Dental Care is the number one provider of private dentistry in the UK.2
Modern technology
Access modern technology including 3D digital scanners at many of our practices.
Extensive range of braces and aligners
We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including discreet braces and aligners.
Clear removable aligners
Clear removable aligners are a discreet and convenient solution. Options include Invisalign aligners.
Fixed braces
Find out more about fixed braces including their benefits, the different types available and how much they cost.
Caring for your braces
Find out what’s involved in caring for your brace or aligner, from how to clean your brace, to eating and drinking with braces.
1 – https://www.dentaly.org/en/braces-for-adults/quick-straight-teeth/#:~:text=Quick%20Straight%20Teeth%20focus%20on,moderate%20crowding%20or%20protruding%20teeth.
2 - Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check.
The minimum spend for finance is £500 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 24 months. Finance taken at repayment terms of 36, 40, 48 or 60 months is subject to 9.9% 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
3 - LaingBuisson, Dentistry UK Market Report, 5th ed. If you require verification, please email [email protected]
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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.
