TL;DR: Orthodontic treatment moves teeth using fixed braces or removable clear aligners such as Invisalign. NHS orthodontic care in England is mainly for under-18s with a clear clinical need, while most adults pay privately. Treatment usually lasts many months, and retainers follow. Cost depends on complexity, appliance type, and provider, so patients should compare itemised quotes. This guide has 11 sections and answers 4 frequently asked questions. It lists 6 primary sources, from NHS.uk, the GDC and bos.org.uk. Facts were checked on 2026-10-13; it is educational information, not clinical advice.
Educational information only, not clinical advice. Facts are checked against the primary sources listed under Sources (NHS.uk, GDC, CQC and peer-reviewed research), last checked 13 October 2026.
How do braces and aligners move teeth?
Braces and aligners apply gentle, sustained pressure so teeth move gradually through the bone. Fixed braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that a clinician adjusts at regular visits. Clear aligners are removable plastic trays, each shifting teeth slightly, replaced in a planned series.
Both approaches can straighten crowded or spaced teeth and correct bite problems. Which appliance suits a patient depends on the problem, the patient’s commitment, and the clinician’s assessment. See aligner types explained.
Who can have NHS orthodontic treatment?
NHS.uk says braces are usually only free on the NHS for people under 18, that a dentist refers you to an orthodontist, and that the orthodontist decides whether you are eligible depending on how the teeth affect day-to-day life. Clinicians commonly use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to judge this. Cosmetic-only concerns often fall outside NHS eligibility. Adults usually pay privately, although exceptions exist for clinical reasons.
Waiting times for NHS orthodontics can be long. Ask the referring dentist about the local pathway.
What types of braces are there?
Common options include traditional metal braces, ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces, lingual braces fixed behind the teeth, and removable clear aligners. Each has differences in visibility, comfort, cleaning, and the problems it can treat. No option suits everyone, and this guide does not rank them.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment commonly takes from several months to a couple of years, depending on how far teeth need to move and how well the patient follows instructions. Mild cases can be shorter, and complex cases longer. The orthodontist should give an estimated timeline and explain what may change it.
Why do retainers matter after braces?
Teeth can drift back after treatment, so retainers hold the new position. Some are fixed behind the teeth and others are removable. Wearing them as directed is part of the treatment, not an optional extra. Read retainers after braces for the main types.
What affects the cost of braces and Invisalign?
Cost depends on several factors, and this guide gives no prices:
- Case complexity and the length of treatment.
- The appliance type and materials.
- Whether the clinician is a dentist or a GDC-registered specialist orthodontist.
- Scans, X-rays, and the number of review visits included.
- Retainers, and whether replacements are covered.
- NHS eligibility versus private care.
Ask what the quote covers, what happens if treatment runs longer, and what retainer costs are. See dentist-led versus specialist orthodontist.
How do I check a provider in Essex?
Check the clinician on the General Dental Council register, where specialist orthodontists appear on the specialist list. Ask about training, case experience, and aftercare. Direct-to-consumer aligner schemes that do not involve an in-person dentist raise safety concerns, and the GDC has published guidance about remote-only orthodontic services.
You can browse Essex dentists in the Essex directory.
What should I expect day to day with braces or aligners?
Braces and aligners change eating and cleaning habits. Fixed braces trap food, so patients need careful brushing and interdental cleaning, and clinicians often advise avoiding hard or sticky foods that can break brackets. Aligners must be removed to eat and drink anything except water, and cleaned along with the teeth. Poor cleaning during treatment can cause marks on the enamel or gum inflammation, so hygiene visits may be recommended.
Soreness after a fitting or adjustment is common and usually settles within days. A loose bracket, a poking wire, or a cracked aligner should be reported to the practice promptly rather than left for the next scheduled visit.
How many Essex practices list braces and aligners?
Figures come from our directory snapshot of 331 published Essex practices (2026-09-30). “Lists” means the practice’s own website or Google listing mentions the service. It does not confirm the service is offered today, funded by the NHS, or that the practice is taking on patients.
Orthodontics
| District | Practices listing it | Practices in district |
|---|---|---|
| Chelmsford | 21 | 34 |
| Colchester | 18 | 44 |
| Southend-on-Sea | 17 | 41 |
| Basildon | 13 | 31 |
| Epping Forest | 13 | 33 |
| Braintree | 12 | 24 |
| Brentwood | 12 | 22 |
| Thurrock | 12 | 23 |
| All districts | 155 | 331 |
Invisalign
| District | Practices listing it | Practices in district |
|---|---|---|
| Southend-on-Sea | 21 | 41 |
| Chelmsford | 17 | 34 |
| Colchester | 17 | 44 |
| Epping Forest | 12 | 33 |
| Basildon | 11 | 31 |
| Thurrock | 11 | 23 |
| Tendring | 9 | 19 |
| Brentwood | 8 | 22 |
| All districts | 135 | 331 |
Why does “free braces” so often not apply?
NHS orthodontics is for patients under 18 whose clinical need meets a threshold set by the NHS. Wanting straighter teeth with no health reason does not qualify, and adults usually have to pay for braces.
Template: compare braces quotes
- Provider and clinician type: specialist (on the GDC list), dentist with orthodontic training, or other
- Appliance type and estimated months
- Appointments included
- Retainers included, and the replacement policy
- Total written price
- What happens if treatment is not complete in the time quoted
Other dental topics covered on this site: NHS dentist in Essex, the dental implant process, timeline and cost factors and the legal and safe ways to whiten teeth in the UK.
Directory pages for this topic: orthodontics (braces, Invisalign) in Colchester, orthodontics (braces, Invisalign) in Basildon and orthodontics (braces, Invisalign) in Braintree. Each lists only practices whose own websites mention the treatment; a mention is not proof of availability.
FAQ
Can adults get braces on the NHS?
Rarely. NHS orthodontics is mainly for under-18s with clinical need, and most adults pay privately.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth can feel sore after fitting and adjustments. Discomfort is usually short-lived, and the clinician can advise on managing it.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither is better for everyone. The right choice depends on the case and clinician assessment.
Do I need a referral?
For NHS treatment, usually yes, from a general dentist. Private practices may accept direct enquiries.
Sources
- NHS.uk, Orthodontics: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/braces/
- NHS.uk, NHS dental charges: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-nhs-dental-treatment-costs/
- General Dental Council: https://www.gdc-uk.org/
- British Orthodontic Society: https://bos.org.uk/
- GDC, Direct-to-consumer orthodontics: information to support professional judgement: https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/gdc-guidance-for-dental-professionals/direct-to-consumer-orthodontics
- NHS.uk, Braces: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/braces/