# Top 10 Orthodontic Treatments: What You Need to Know

Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online
Author: Ad Bakal
Published: 2026-04-06
Updated: 2026-04-24
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If you're thinking about straightening your teeth, there are now more options than ever. From traditional braces to clear aligners and jaw correction devices, each treatment has its own strengths, costs, and ideal use cases. Here's a practical look at 10 of the most common orthodontic treatments available in the UK — and how to work out which might be right for you.
For a full overview of the treatments we offer, visit our orthodontic treatments page . If you're unsure about the problems affecting your teeth, our problems we treat page is a good place to start.
Key takeaway
The right orthodontic treatment depends on your age, dental condition, goals, and budget. This guide gives you the full picture — but only a qualified orthodontist can tell you which option is clinically right for your teeth.

## 1. Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces use brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into better alignment. They are one of the most effective options for correcting crowded teeth, bite problems, and more complex orthodontic cases — and are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance in the UK.
Best for
Complex alignment and bite issues

Pros
Reliable, effective, usually more affordable than hidden options

Cons
Highly visible and can feel uncomfortable after adjustments

## 2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use clear or tooth-coloured brackets. They blend in better with natural teeth, making them a popular choice for teens and adults who want a less obvious fixed treatment. They're slightly more expensive than metal but considerably more discreet.
Best for
Patients who want a discreet fixed brace

Pros
Less noticeable than metal, effective for many cases

Cons
Can cost more and may stain without good care

## 3. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them hidden from view. They can treat many of the same issues as traditional braces while keeping the front of the smile completely free of visible brackets — the most discreet fixed brace option available.
Best for
People who want completely hidden fixed braces

Pros
Virtually invisible from the front

Cons
More expensive, harder to clean, can affect speech at first

## 4. Clear Aligners (Invisalign) 😁
Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth and shift them gradually. They are removable, nearly invisible, and popular among adults who want a flexible treatment option. Invisalign is the most widely recognised brand, but other systems are available. For a full breakdown, see our clear aligners page .
Best for
Mild to moderate alignment issues in adults and teens

Pros
Removable, discreet, easier for brushing and eating

Cons
Must be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results

Not sure which treatment is right for you? 🦷
Get a free online orthodontic assessment from Virtual Consultant — no waiting room, no obligation. Start your free assessment →

## 5. Retainers
Retainers help keep teeth in their new position after braces or aligners. They are a critical part of orthodontic care — teeth have a natural tendency to shift back without retention, which is why the British Orthodontic Society recommends lifelong retainer use after treatment.
Best for
Maintaining results after any orthodontic treatment

Pros
Protects your new smile, simple to use

Cons
Requires long-term commitment and regular wear

## 6. Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw to create more space and improve bite alignment. They are most effective in children and younger teens while the jaw is still developing — the earlier the better. In adults, palatal expansion typically requires a surgical approach.
Best for
Narrow upper jaws and crowding in younger patients

Pros
Can reduce crowding and improve jaw development

Cons
Usually limited to growing patients, may feel awkward at first

## 7. Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is used to guide jaw growth and tooth movement, especially in cases involving severe overbites or underbites. It is usually worn for a set number of hours each day — often during evenings or overnight — to achieve the required force on the jaw.
Best for
Significant bite correction in growing patients

Pros
Effective for jaw guidance and complex bite problems

Cons
Visible and depends heavily on patient compliance

## 8. Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are commonly used in children who lose baby teeth earlier than expected. They hold the gap open so adult teeth can come in properly, preventing future crowding or misalignment that would otherwise require more extensive treatment later.
Best for
Children with early baby tooth loss

Pros
Helps guide permanent teeth into better positions

Cons
Requires monitoring and good oral hygiene

## 9. Functional Appliances
Functional appliances are designed to correct jaw positioning by encouraging better growth and alignment. They are often used in children and teens with developing bite issues — particularly overbites — and work by harnessing the natural growth of the jaw during key developmental stages.
Best for
Jaw growth correction in younger patients

Pros
Can improve bite and facial balance during growth

Cons
Works best during certain ages, needs strong patient cooperation

## 10. Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is used for severe jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with braces alone. It is usually combined with orthodontic treatment both before and after surgery to achieve proper function and appearance. Most patients are referred by their orthodontist when other options aren't sufficient.
Best for
Severe jaw and bite problems that braces alone cannot correct

Pros
Can dramatically improve bite, facial symmetry, and oral function

Cons
Invasive, costly, and involves significant recovery time

Not sure where your teeth fall on the scale of complexity? Our IOTN score checker gives you an indication of treatment need, and our find an orthodontist near you tool helps you locate a practice in your area. You can also browse all our locations across the UK.
Find out which treatment is right for you. 😁
Get a free online orthodontic assessment — no waiting room, no pressure, no obligation.
Get Your Free Assessment →

## FAQs

### What is the most effective orthodontic treatment?

Traditional metal braces are generally considered the most versatile and effective option for complex cases. However, the best treatment depends entirely on your individual dental needs, case complexity, and lifestyle. An orthodontist will recommend the right option after a clinical assessment.

### What is the most discreet orthodontic treatment?

Lingual braces (fitted to the back of the teeth) and clear aligners like Invisalign are the most discreet options. Clear aligners are virtually invisible in everyday life; lingual braces are completely hidden but fixed in place.

### Which orthodontic treatments are suitable for children?

Children may be suitable for a range of treatments depending on age and dental development, including metal braces, palatal expanders, space maintainers, and functional appliances. NHS treatment is available for qualifying children under 18.

### What is orthognathic surgery and when is it needed?

Orthognathic surgery corrects severe jaw misalignment that cannot be treated with braces alone. It is typically combined with orthodontic treatment and is usually recommended by an orthodontist when other options are insufficient.

### Do I need a retainer after orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back. The British Orthodontic Society recommends lifelong retainer use for the best long-term results.

### How much do orthodontic treatments cost in the UK?

Costs vary widely depending on the treatment type and case complexity. Metal braces start from around £1,500, clear aligners from £1,500, and lingual braces from £3,500. See our costs and pricing page for a full breakdown.

### Which orthodontic treatments are available on the NHS?

NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children and young people under 18 who score 3 or above on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Adults must pay privately. Use our NHS qualification checker to see if you or your child qualifies.

## References

- British Orthodontic Society (https://www.bos.org.uk/) - Professional guidance on orthodontic treatments and retention
- NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/) - Overview of orthodontic treatment types available in the UK
- Invisalign (https://www.invisalign.co.uk/) - Clear aligner treatment options and product range