Advice · 18 October 2026
In short: metal braces and Smartee clear aligners both straighten teeth, and at our practice they cost the same. Aligners are removable and less noticeable, but only work if you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Braces are fixed, so they work all the time. The orthodontist will tell you which options suit your teeth at your assessment (£155).
Side by side
| Metal braces | Smartee clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | from £2,900, £3,900 or £4,900, depending on complexity | The same as metal braces |
| Removable? | No – fixed to the teeth | Yes – you take them out to eat and clean your teeth |
| Wear time | Work all the time | 20 to 22 hours a day; never out for more than 30 minutes at a time |
| How they look | Small metal brackets and a wire | Thin, clear plastic trays |
| Appointments | Checked every 8 to 10 weeks | Change to the next set once a week at home; we see you regularly to check progress |
| Eating | Avoid hard and sticky foods | Take aligners out to eat, then brush and put them straight back in |
| Health service (NHS)? | Yes, if your child qualifies | No – private only |
| Afterwards | Retainers every night (8 to 10 hours), for life | |
Wearing aligners: the 30-minute rule
Aligners only work when they are in your mouth. Wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day, including while you sleep. We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have your aligners out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time. Take them out only to eat and to drink anything other than plain water. See clear aligners.
Which is right for me?
It depends on your teeth and bite, and on how you live day to day. If you are not sure you could keep aligners in for 20 to 22 hours a day, fixed braces may suit you better, because they work all the time. Ask your clinician during your appointment – the orthodontist will explain which options suit your teeth.
Private treatment usually takes 2–24 months, depending on complexity. Mild cases can often be quite straightforward to fix.
What does it cost?
Metal braces and Smartee clear aligners cost the same: from £2,900 for super mild cases, from £3,900 for moderate cases and from £4,900 for complex cases. Two sets of retainers are included, and aligner prices include refinements. You can pay a £900 deposit, then the rest in 12 monthly payments. A £150 plan fee is added to the balance and spread across your monthly payments. See how much braces cost.
We are also an Invisalign provider. Invisalign aligners cost £1,000 more in each band: from £3,900, £4,900 or £5,900.
For teenagers, see braces or aligners for teenagers.
Frequently asked questions
Do clear aligners cost more than braces?
Not at our practice. Metal braces and Smartee clear aligners cost the same: from £2,900, £3,900 or £4,900, depending on complexity.
How many hours a day do I need to wear aligners?
20 to 22 hours a day. We recommend the 30-minute rule: never have your aligners out of your mouth for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Can I get clear aligners on the health service?
No. Clear aligners are a private treatment at our practice. Health service (NHS) treatment, for those who qualify, is usually with braces.
Will I need retainers after aligners?
Yes. Wear your retainers every night while you sleep (8 to 10 hours), for life.
Which is better, braces or aligners?
It depends on your teeth. The orthodontist will tell you which options suit you at your assessment.
Have a question? Ask your clinician during your appointment, or call us on 028 9045 1303.