Braces straighten teeth and correct the way they bite together, usually over 1 to 2 years. On the NHS in England, braces are often free for children under 18 who meet a clinical need threshold, while most adults pay privately. Whatever braces you have, you will need to wear a retainer afterwards to stop your teeth moving back.
What orthodontics is
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that moves teeth into a better position. The NHS describes braces as a treatment for teeth that are growing too close together, teeth that stick out, or large gaps between teeth. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) says treatment can also improve how the teeth bite together.
Types of brace
- Fixed braces. Small brackets are glued to each tooth and joined by a wire that applies gentle pressure. The BOS says fixed braces remain the most popular type and now come in metal, tooth-coloured ceramic, and lingual versions fitted behind the teeth. Fixed metal braces are the type most commonly used on the NHS.
- Removable braces. According to the BOS, simple removable appliances are often used to correct straightforward problems, especially in children who still have some baby teeth.
- Functional appliances. The BOS describes these as braces that correct a group of bite problems where the top teeth bite in front of the lower teeth. They are used in patients who are still growing.
- Clear aligners. Custom-made clear plastic trays that move teeth gradually. The BOS describes them as a way of correcting milder problems after a full assessment. See our Invisalign guide for more on aligners.
Who it is for
The BOS says most children start treatment at around 12 or 13, once all their adult teeth have come through. Age is not a barrier, though. The BOS also says teeth can be moved at any age as long as the teeth and gums are healthy, and more adults now have treatment.
NHS or private
Children and teenagers
The NHS says braces are often free for children under 18, depending on how their teeth affect day-to-day life, such as problems with eating or cleaning. Eligibility is measured with the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), which grades the problem from 1 (little or no need) to 5 (severe need).
- Grades 4 and 5 qualify for NHS treatment.
- Grade 3 qualifies only if the appearance score (the aesthetic component) is 6 or more.
- Grades 1 and 2 do not qualify.
The BOS says the IOTN assessment should take place in a specialist orthodontic practice, and advises dentists to refer if they are unsure, so the orthodontist makes the final decision. Your dentist makes the referral. The NHS warns that there may be a long waiting list.
Adults
The NHS says adults usually need to pay for braces privately. The BOS notes that adults with severe problems may be treated through the hospital orthodontic service. Private treatment gives a wider choice of brace types. Prices vary between practices, so compare written quotes and see our dental costs guide.
Where an adult does have NHS orthodontic treatment in England, it falls under Band 3, which is £332.10 from 1 April 2026.
What happens during treatment
After an assessment, the orthodontist fits the brace and then adjusts it at regular check-ups. The BOS says appointments are usually every 4 to 10 weeks, and most treatment takes 1 to 2 years. Simple cases can take around 6 months, but with more limited results. If you are eligible for NHS treatment, the NHS says you will usually be offered a fixed brace that stays in place for 1 to 2 years.
How to choose a practice
- Check the clinician on the General Dental Council register. Every dentist and orthodontic therapist working in the UK must be registered.
- The BOS explains that only dentists who have completed at least 3 years of extra training can register with the GDC as a specialist orthodontist. The register shows whether someone is on the specialist list.
- Ask what types of brace are suitable for you, how long treatment should take, what retainers are included, and what happens if you need extra appointments.
- For a child, ask your regular NHS dentist about a referral first.
Risks and aftercare
The BOS says your teeth are at greater risk of problems during treatment, so keep seeing your general dentist for check-ups. The NHS advises brushing with fluoride toothpaste in the morning, at night and after meals, cleaning between your teeth and under the brace with an interdental brush every day, and avoiding hard, crunchy or sticky foods that can break the brace.
Teeth tend to drift back towards their old positions, which is called relapse. Retainers hold them in place. They can be fixed behind the teeth or removable. The BOS is clear that if you do not wear your retainers as instructed, your teeth will go crooked again, and the longer you wear them, the longer your teeth stay straight.
If a brace breaks or a wire is digging into your mouth, contact your orthodontist. For severe pain or swelling, see our emergency dentist guide or call NHS 111.
Sources: NHS: Braces and orthodontics; NHS: How much NHS dental treatment costs; The National Health Service (Primary Dental Services and Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2026; British Orthodontic Society: What is the IOTN?; British Orthodontic Society: Is my patient eligible for NHS treatment?; British Orthodontic Society: Treatment and brace types; British Orthodontic Society: Removable appliances; British Orthodontic Society: Functional appliances; British Orthodontic Society: FAQs; British Orthodontic Society: Retainers; General Dental Council: Registration.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.