Adult Braces for North Finchley Patients

It’s never too late to get the smile you want. Consider adult braces if you’re unhappy with your teeth alignment, which can affect your confidence and oral health. People from North Finchley seek treatment for crooked or crowded teeth that are hard to clean, gaps between teeth, or an uncomfortable bite that causes jaw pain or uneven tooth wear. If you had braces as a teen but have experienced orthodontic relapse, you are a good candidate. Treatment can improve your smile’s appearance and make future dental care easier.

Your treatment is a carefully planned experience. It starts with a 60-minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we take digital scans and photos to assess your needs. Next, we create your personalised treatment plan. If you choose fixed braces, the fitting appointment lasts around 60-90 minutes. For clear aligners like Invisalign, we show you a 3D simulation of your results and fit your first set. You have check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress. The total treatment time typically ranges from 9 to 24 months, depending on your case. After braces are removed, you’re fitted for retainers to maintain your new smile for life.

Today’s fixed braces are smaller and more comfortable. They consist of ceramic or metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a wire. This method provides the most control for complex movements, making it the best choice for significant bite correction or severe crowding. Treatment time is predictable as the braces work 24/7. While they are more visible than aligners, clear ceramic options offer a more discreet appearance.

Clear aligners are popular for adults due to their near invisibility. Brands like Invisalign use a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays to gradually shift your teeth. They should be worn about 22 hours a day but can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. For example, a 35-year-old professional from North Finchley completed a 14-month Invisalign Full treatment with us to correct moderate lower crowding before his wedding. He was able to continue client meetings without anyone noticing his aligners. This option suits mild to moderate alignment issues.

For the first 3 to 5 days after getting braces, you’ll feel tenderness as teeth begin to move. Your mouth needs about a week to get used to the brackets and wires. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. We recommend soft foods like soup, pasta, and yoghurt during this period. With clear aligners, you’ll feel pressure for the first day or two of each new set. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential; we’ll show you how to clean effectively around brackets or with your aligners out.

After active treatment ends, the retention phase begins. This is a lifelong commitment to keep teeth in their new position. We provide Vivera retainers, which are custom-made and durable. Typically, you wear the retainer full-time for the first few months, then switch to wearing it at night. Regular check-ups ensure your smile stays straight. Neglecting to wear your retainer is the main cause of orthodontic relapse.

While braces are the gold standard for moving teeth, there are alternatives for purely cosmetic concerns. Composite bonding applies a tooth-coloured resin to change the shape and appearance of teeth, masking minor gaps or crookedness. This is a faster option (one visit) but doesn’t correct the underlying alignment and needs replacing every 5-7 years. Porcelain veneers are thin shells placed over the front of your teeth for a flawless look. They are more durable than bonding but require removing some healthy tooth enamel and are a significant financial investment. During your consultation, we’ll honestly discuss if these cosmetic options or full orthodontic treatment is the right path for you.

To make an informed choice, ask key questions whether you consult with us or another practice in North London. Start by asking which type of brace is most suitable for your clinical needs and why. Inquire about the total estimated treatment time and the full cost, including retainers and any follow-up appointments. It’s wise to ask what happens if a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost. Finally, ask to see before-and-after photos of similar cases to get a realistic idea of the potential results.

As a fully private practice, we offer clear pricing with no hidden fees. The cost of adult braces depends on the type and complexity of your case. For clear aligners, our prices are fixed: Invisalign Lite is £3,300 and Invisalign Full is £4,400. The cost for fixed braces will be provided after your initial assessment. These fees include all appointments, digital scans, fitting, adjustments, and your first set of retainers. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of your orthodontic treatment. We can provide the necessary documentation for your insurance claims.