| Key takeawaysAt iCare Dental, Royal Docks, metal braces start from £2,500 (one arch) and £4,500 (both arches), after a free consultation.The best deal is the lowest total cost for the result you need, not the lowest headline price.Always check whether retainers, adjustments, repairs and reviews are included. |
Private metal braces in the UK offer an effective solution for correcting misaligned teeth, improving bite function, and achieving a straighter smile. The overall treatment cost depends on the complexity of the case, treatment duration, and whether one or both arches require correction. At iCare Dental in Royal Docks, London, metal braces in East London start from £2,500 for one arch and £4,500 for both arches, with the final price confirmed after a free consultation.
Braces prices vary a lot between clinics, and headline figures rarely tell the whole story. This guide explains typical UK prices, what drives the cost up or down, what a fair quote should include and how to work out which practice genuinely offers the best deal.
How much do braces cost in the UK? Price ranges by type
Metal braces are usually the most affordable type of fixed brace in the UK, with ceramic and lingual braces costing more. Typical private prices in 2026 are:
| Type of brace | Typical UK price (both arches) |
|---|---|
| Metal fixed braces | from £2500/ £4500 |
| Ceramic fixed braces | From £2,800 |
| Clear aligners (in-clinic) | From £1,500 |
Typical market ranges from independent UK price guides (2026). No official body publishes private orthodontic prices, and London prices tend to sit at the middle to upper end.
What affects the cost of metal braces?
The cost of metal braces depends on six main factors. Understanding them helps you compare quotes fairly.
- One arch or both: treating only your upper or lower teeth typically costs around half to two-thirds of treating both.
- Complexity: mild crowding or small gaps need less work than severe crowding, rotations or bite correction.
- Treatment length: longer treatment means more adjustment appointments.
- Who treats you: orthodontic treatment can be provided by a trained dentist or a specialist orthodontist, and fees differ.
- Location: clinics in London and other cities have higher running costs than rural practices.
- What’s included: retainers, X-rays, scans, repairs and review visits may or may not be in the quoted price.
Single arch or both arches?
Single-arch braces treat only your upper or lower teeth, and they can be a good-value option when the other arch is already straight and your bite is healthy. However, moving one arch can change how your teeth meet, so many people need both arches treated for a stable result. Your clinician should explain why they recommend one or both.
What should a braces quote include?
A fair braces quote should list every stage of treatment so you can compare clinics like for like. Check that your quote covers:
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Consultation and assessment | Includes X-rays or scans so the plan is based on your real teeth and bite |
| Written treatment plan | Sets out the expected length, stages and total cost |
| Braces fitting | Brackets, wires and the fitting appointment |
| All adjustment visits | Usually every 4–8 weeks for 12–24 months |
| Removal and retainers | Retainers stop teeth moving back and can be a significant extra cost |
| Repairs | Broken brackets or wires can happen and should not come as a surprise bill |
How to find the best deal on braces
The best deal on braces is the lowest total cost for a safe, lasting result, not the cheapest headline price. A low starting price that excludes retainers or charges for every adjustment can end up costing more.
- Compare total cost, not “from” prices. Ask each clinic for an all-inclusive written quote.
- Check who will treat you on the General Dental Council register.
- Start with a consultation: a free consultation lets you compare options without committing.
- Ask about finance terms: the total payable and the interest rate, not just the monthly figure.
- Factor in travel. A clinic you can reach easily makes 15–20 appointments far more manageable.
For a fuller checklist, see our guide on how to choose a teeth straightening clinic.
Hidden costs to watch for
The most common hidden costs with braces are retainers, replacement retainers, repairs to broken brackets, extra months of treatment and extractions needed before braces are fitted. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment also matters: brackets trap plaque, so regular hygiene appointments are worth budgeting for. If a bracket breaks or a wire is digging in, ask whether an emergency appointment is covered.
Metal braces vs other options: which is best value?
Metal braces are often the best value for moderate to complex cases because fixed brackets give precise control over tooth movement. For mild cases, Invisalign clear aligners can cost a similar amount and are more discreet. You can compare all our teeth straightening options at a consultation.
| Metal braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moderate to complex crowding, rotations, bite correction | Mild to moderate crowding and gaps |
| Visibility | Visible brackets and wires | Nearly invisible |
| Discipline needed | Low, as they are fixed in place | High, worn 20–22 hours a day |
| Typical length | 12–24 months | 3–18 months |
Are metal braces worth it for adults?
Yes. Metal braces work just as well for adults as for teenagers, as long as teeth and gums are healthy, and they remain one of the most effective and cost-effective ways to correct crowding and bite problems. The British Orthodontic Society has patient information on adult orthodontics if you’d like to read more. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which helps protect your long-term oral health.
Metal braces at iCare Dental, Royal Docks
iCare Dental is a private, CQC-registered practice in Royal Docks, East London, offering fixed metal braces from £2,500 for one arch and £4,500 for both arches, with every treatment starting with a free consultation.
| Price | From £2,500 (one arch) · from £4,500 (both arches). Final price confirmed after assessment. |
| Consultation | Free initial consultation to discuss your concerns, options and costs |
| What’s included | Assessment of teeth, gums and bite; a personalised plan with stages and costs; braces fitting; progress reviews and adjustments; retainer advice and aftercare |
| Address | Unit A2, Gateway Tower, 30 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1YL |
| Getting here | About two minutes’ walk from Royal Victoria DLR and Custom House (Elizabeth line); one stop from Canning Town |
| Regulation | GDC-registered dentists in a practice registered with the Care Quality Commission |
| Opening hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am–6pm; Wed 9am–8pm; Sat 9am–5pm |
| Phone | 020 7993 2595 |
You can view the practice on the Care Quality Commission website and see our full price list online. To find out your exact metal braces cost in Royal Docks, book a free consultation online or call the practice.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of metal braces
How much do metal braces cost at a private UK dental clinic?
Private metal braces in the UK typically cost between £1,800 and £5,000 for both arches, and around £1,500 to £2,500 for a single arch, depending on complexity, treatment length, location and what is included. At iCare Dental in Royal Docks, London, metal braces start from £2,500 for one arch and £4,500 for both arches.
How much do metal braces cost in London?
Metal braces in London usually sit towards the middle or upper end of the UK range because of higher clinic running costs. At iCare Dental in Royal Docks, East London, metal braces start from £2,500 for one arch and £4,500 for both arches, with the final price confirmed after a free consultation.
Are metal braces cheaper than Invisalign?
Metal braces are often similar to or slightly cheaper than clear aligners for the same case, and they can be better value for complex crowding or bite problems because fixed brackets give the clinician more control. For mild cases, clear aligners can cost about the same.
Can I get braces on just one arch?
Yes. If only your upper or lower teeth need straightening and your bite is otherwise healthy, single-arch braces can be an option and cost less than treating both arches. Your clinician will check whether treating one arch alone could affect how your teeth meet.
Does the price of braces include retainers?
Not always. Some clinics include retainers in the quoted price, while others charge for them separately once braces are removed. Retainers are essential to keep teeth straight, so always ask whether they are included and what replacements cost.
Can I pay for braces monthly?
Many UK private practices offer finance so you can spread the cost of braces into monthly payments. Ask for the total amount payable, the length of the agreement and the interest rate, as well as the monthly figure, before you sign.
How long do metal braces take?
Metal braces usually take between 12 and 24 months, depending on how much your teeth need to move. Minor corrections can be quicker, while complex crowding or bite correction takes longer. You’ll typically need an adjustment appointment every 4 to 8 weeks.
Are there hidden costs with braces?
Possible extra costs include retainers, replacement retainers, repairs to broken brackets, extra appointments if treatment runs longer, hygiene visits and any extractions needed before treatment. A good clinic lists what is and isn’t included in a written quote.
