Adult braces (rough costs?)

krlyr

Due to both parents having bad dentist phobias, we weren't taken to the dentist much as kids - and didn't get braces as a teen when they were needed. It's something I've thought about for a while but funds have never allowed...getting closer to being able to afford them now though, and I've been and had a free assessment/ballpark quote from a local dentist, which came through at around £4500-5500 (including whitening).

Does this sound about right? I'm going to get a second opinion elsewhere, but thought a post on here wouldn't hurt either. Just for a bit of context, I'm in Surrey (so a bit pricier around here but not quite London prices), and I was told I would need a specialist orthodontic rather than 'cosmetic' braces/retainers. Most of the work is on the upper teeth (two displaced teeth - one 'peg' incisor they would try to bring forward and then shape with resin), with a little bit on the lower teeth (just need a little straightening), and they think it will take about 18 months.

Initial examination and assessment £87.50
Orthodontic specialist fees £4000-£4500 (guide – this to be confirmed with the specialist)
Tooth Whitening £295-£395
Resin Bonding to change tooth shapes £200-£495 per tooth

boliston

My OH is having orthodontic treatment and it's about 2500 spread over about 18 months - the tooth whitening sounds a bit gimmicky and can often make teeth look worse - not sure about changing teeth shapes with resin bonding - not sure i would want resin in my teeth!

silvercar

Sounds expensive, yet even the dentists who post on here will say that without looking in your mouth they can't comment.

No harm in getting a couple more quotes.

pandora205

I paid £3000 for full braces to correct a significant overbite six years ago. I was then referred for reconstructive composite bonding on my front teeth as they'd worn significantly, which was around £1500 and included teeth whitening. The braces took just over two years but the results are amazing. It changed my profile as well as improving my teeth, which look totally natural.

mickeymouse303

I'm looking into this at the moment too. It's very expensive but most places have payment plans to spread the cost.

xMonsoonx

Have you looked into other alternatives like invisalign?

brook2jack

Invisalign is one of the more expensive options to move teeth. It also has its limitations in the ways it can align teeth and is not suitable /best for complex problems or when back teeth need moving. Just the laboratory fees for the very simplest case cost £1800 and lab fees for more complex cases cost an awful lot more and that's without the dentists fees.

Traditional train tracks are still the gold standard way of moving teeth to get best results in most cases.

I would never advise looking at one system alone but choosing an orthodontist who can advise you which of the many orthodontic systems about would give you the best result.

Dennis-ka

If a person feels his crooked teeth are keeping him from living a comfortable life, in order to get rid of his insecurities or in order to get a higher paying job, why not. Afterall, he's paying his money for it.

AprilR

I had braces for just my top teeth a couple of years ago and cost about £800-£1000, but you pay every visit, so like £100 each time. It was on the NHS. I had them for about 7/8 months. You also pay more for the white/clear ones (I don't remember) I couldn't see the point in paying extra, I enjoyed having the different colour bands on the braces ��

Toothsmith

If you paid £800-£1000 - it wasn't on the NHS!