Cost of orthodontics as an adult

greensalad

I have a query about something I've always wanted to do at some point, have proper orthodontic treatment.

I have a peculiar thing with my teeth. Looking at a diagram for the names, it seems I am missing my lower lateral incisors. Essentially where human teeth usually have four "little" teeth on the lower front, I only have two. My top set are as per normal. I've always had this, baby teeth included. My teeth aren't otherwise overcrowded... I guess I'm just a weird anomaly!

The result of this is that my lower canine hits my upper lateral incisor and causes it to twist. That in turn has caused one of my central upper incisors to tilt back. The issues are only on one side of my mouth, the other side is fine.

I've had upper train-track braces at the age of 10. It was a lot younger than any one else I know had them, and they were taken out after only 7 months (and then 6 months retainer). It fixed it for about a year and then they started going back again. I was told by my dentist I needed to stop growing before I could get anything done. He actually said around the 23 mark. Well I'll be 24 in two weeks!

I've had both my top wisdom teeth through, and one removed due to decay. They didn't impact at all and came through OK.

Recently I've noticed that I am feeling pressure on the upper central incisor. I can "feel" it moving, like a pressure in my gums around that area. It's not painful but it feels like teething.

I've always wanted to get braces but I wonder what the cost of this is outside the NHS as I'm obviously no longer eligible for cosmetic dentistry.

For something like this where only my upper teeth are affected, is something like just a retainer possible? Just to help?

If I were to fork out for something like Invisalign would it actually stay? I'd hate to throw a few K at cosmetic dentistry and then two years later it all be gone again.

Are there any other options I've not thought of?

brook2jack

For something like this the only person who can give you a proper idea of what is possible and the long term view is an orthodontist.

For an initial consultation you will be looking at around £100.

Depending on where you go and what treatment you both decide on the costs will vary.

Fixed braces will start at around £1800 for treatment. Invisalign which is an expensive and somewhat limited treatment will start at around £3000. Cost will increase with complexity of case , length of time , type of brace system and whether top and bottom jaws are treated.