Adult Braces: A Guide for West Finchley Patients

Braces do more than improve appearance. They fix issues that affect long term dental health. You’re a good candidate if you have crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, or a bite problem like an overbite or underbite. These problems can make cleaning harder and raise the risk of decay or gum disease. Many of our West Finchley patients seek braces to boost confidence and get a lasting smile. If you hide your smile in photos or meetings, this is a good time to explore your options.

The process starts with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We use digital imaging and 3D scans to map your teeth and plan the outcome. For Invisalign you’ll receive a series of custom aligners changed every one to two weeks. For fixed braces we bond ceramic brackets to your teeth. You’ll have checkups every six to eight weeks to track progress. Most adults finish in about 12 to 18 months. After straightening, we fit Vivera retainers to keep your results for life.

Invisalign offers near invisibility and convenience. Aligners are removable, so you can eat, drink, and brush as usual. This suits professionals with busy schedules. A West Finchley patient, a 40-year-old consultant, completed a 14 month Invisalign Full treatment with us. She could remove aligners for important meetings. Success depends on wearing them about 22 hours a day.

Fixed ceramic braces use tooth coloured brackets that are less noticeable than metal. They suit more complex cases or if you do not want to remove aligners. Because they are bonded, they work continuously which can speed up some movements. They are reliable and effective, though you need careful cleaning around the brackets and wires.

We keep pricing clear. At our private practice, costs are as follows: Invisalign Lite: £3,300; Invisalign Full: £4,400; Vivera retainers (set of three): £500. These include needed appointments, digital scans, and adjustments, with no hidden fees. We are private only and do not offer NHS orthodontics. We do accept plans from Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. We can provide the paperwork for claims.

In the first days after fitting or adjusting braces you may feel tenderness or pressure. This discomfort is mild and can be managed with simple pain relief. Start with soft foods such as soup, pasta, and yogurt for the first 48 hours. With fixed braces avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could ruin the brackets. The key is long term maintenance. Wear your retainer as directed, usually every night for life, to prevent shifting. If a wire breaks or an attachment is lost, call our practice during office hours for advice.

To choose what’s right for you, ask these questions whether you come to us or another West Finchley practice. Here are key topics: Is the quoted price all inclusive or are there extra charges for consultations, scans, and retainers? Based on my case, what is the realistic treatment time? Which option, fixed braces or Invisalign, do you think will give the best result, and why? What is the plan for retention and the cost of replacement retainers? What happens if a bracket comes off or I lose an aligner, is there an emergency charge?