What are the Different Types of Braces for Adults?
Many adults want to improve their smile but have outdated ideas about the treatment options on offer to them. In 2026, thanks to modern orthodontics, several discreet and effective types of braces for adults are available.
Many of us associate braces with teenagehood and conspicuous metal brackets placed front and centre on the teeth. But this reputation needs an overhaul.
In actuality, 76% of orthodontists report a recent increase in adult patients. Plus, dental care has seen significant advancements in recent decades. There are now numerous treatment avenues open to those considering teeth braces for adults, some of which are very subtle.
From clear aligners to colour-matched ceramic brackets, it’s worth knowing your options.
Different Types of Braces for Adults
Braces are a proven and effective method of teeth straightening, suited to those with:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowded teeth
- Misaligned or missing teeth
- Overbite or overjet issues
- Weak bite issues
- Jaw joint issues
They’re the ideal intervention for many kids and adults alike. But as an adult looking into teeth straightening in 2026, what types of braces would be available to you if you decided to go down this route? At Illume Dental, we can provide:
- Standard Fixed Braces: Fixed braces are the familiar type. They consist of a series of small brackets attached to your teeth and connected in an arch by a wire. These brackets may include springs and elastics, depending on how much your teeth need to move while you’re wearing the braces.
- Clear/Tooth-Coloured Ceramics: These are among our most popular choices for child and adult patients. They are fixed, like the above, but we use clear or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets rather than traditional metal brackets. This makes the braces, as a whole, far less noticeable on the teeth.
- Lingual Braces: You may have heard of these before, referred to as something like ‘hidden braces’. Essentially, depending on your unique orthodontic needs, fixed braces can be attached to the outside or inside of your teeth. Lingual braces are the ones fixed to the inside, again making them less conspicuous.
- Clear Aligners: We also offer our adult orthodontic patients clear aligners, like Invisalign. These are perfect for those who don’t need full fixed braces to correct their issues and would prefer a more discreet option. Clear aligners aren’t attached to your teeth, making them easy to remove for eating and cleaning.
Our Cheltenham-based team of dentists includes a highly experienced specialist orthodontist. We can tailor orthodontic care to each patient’s preferences and needs, leveraging our state-of-the-art dental technology to make this process even more precise.
How Much are Braces?
The cost of teeth braces for adults varies depending on what you need, the types of braces you’re interested in, and whether you’re an NHS or private patient. In most cases, adult braces aren’t available on the NHS, so we’ll focus on breaking down the costs of private care.
Standard fixed braces (using metal brackets, attached to the outside of your teeth) will usually cost between £1,500 and £4,000. Ceramic bracket braces that are clear or tooth-coloured raise the price to between £2,000 and £5,000.
Lingual braces (the ones that get affixed to the inside of your teeth) cost from about £3,000 to £8,000.
If you’re a good candidate for clear aligners, they will cost between £1,800 and £5,500.
All told, that puts the range at £1,500 to £8,000. If you’d like to narrow down your price point, we recommend getting in touch to discuss your options.
If you’re interested in braces for adults but unsure of the expense, note that we’ve partnered with Tabeo to offer our eligible customers 0% interest-free finance. This option could allow you to spread the cost of treatment into a series of affordable repayments.
Still Considering Braces for Adults?
You should now see that there are numerous different braces for adults available. You can opt for some standard fixed braces, a ‘hidden’ option or the not-quite-braces route of clear aligners.
To choose the right braces for you, evaluate your lifestyle, consider your comfort and determine your budget. Think about the cosmetic impact of your braces, reflecting on the aesthetic and level of visibility you’d be happy with (particularly in terms of fixed brace brackets).
Most importantly? Speak with a professional to determine the complexity of your orthodontic situation and figure out what kind of treatment you’ll need.
Do all of this, and you’ll soon be able to go ahead with the choice that feels right for you, as approved by an experienced Illume orthodontist.
With our support, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by orthodontic options. You aim to increase your smile confidence and preserve your oral health, and so do we.
Contact us to start a conversation about how we can help.
