Braces for Adults & Children in West Finchley

Orthodontic treatment can suit most ages. For children, we typically assess around age 9 to 11 to check jaw growth and emerging teeth. Early intervention can make later treatment easier. Seek a consultation if you notice severe crowding, large gaps, or a misalignment where the top and bottom teeth don’t meet properly. For adults in West Finchley, reasons usually mix cosmetic goals with functional needs. You might be a good candidate if teeth are crooked or crowded, you have an overbite or underbite causing jaw discomfort, or gaps from missing teeth are shifting other teeth. It’s never too late to start toward the smile you want.

Treatment starts with a 60‑minute consultation, including digital scans and photographs to plan precisely. We’ll discuss your goals and decide the best type of brace for you. At the fitting appointment, which lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, brackets are bonded to your teeth. After this, you’ll visit for adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks. These 20‑minute visits let us track progress and tighten the wires to keep moving the teeth. Total treatment time typically runs from 12 to 24 months, depending on the case. For example, a 35‑year‑old from West Finchley with minor lower crowding finished Invisalign in 14 months, while a teenager with a more complex bite needed fixed braces for 22 months.

After your braces are fitted, you may feel mild discomfort for the first few days as your teeth adjust. Over‑the‑counter pain relief helps. Stick to soft foods like soup, pasta, and yogurt during this period. Throughout treatment, avoid very hard, crunchy, or sticky foods to protect the brackets and wires. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing around the brackets and using interdental brushes to clean effectively. If a bracket loosens or a wire pokes you, call during office hours for advice or to arrange a repair. For emergencies outside these times, call 111.

For many adults and older teens, clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular alternative to fixed metal braces. These removable plastic trays are nearly invisible, offering discreet treatment. They are removed for eating and cleaning, so there are no dietary restrictions and brushing is easier. Invisalign Full treatment for comprehensive cases costs £4,400. While effective for many alignment issues, fixed braces may still be the better option for correcting complex bite problems or significant tooth rotations because they apply more force. During your consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of which system best fits your goals.

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontics. The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on the type of brace and the length of treatment required. As a guide, our clear aligner treatments start from £3,300 for Invisalign Lite and £4,400 for Invisalign Full. This price includes all your aligners, appointments, digital scans, and a set of Vivera retainers (£500 value) at the end of treatment. There are no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of your treatment cost. We will provide a detailed, personalised quote during your initial consultation.

To make an informed choice, it’s a good idea to ask key questions, whether you’re consulting with us or another practice in West Finchley. You should ask: What is the total estimated treatment time for my case? Is the quoted price all inclusive, or are there separate costs for retainers and follow‑up visits? What happens if a bracket breaks or I have a problem outside of office hours? How long will I need to wear retainers after the braces are removed, and is it every day? What are the pros and cons of fixed braces versus clear aligners for my situation? Asking these questions will help you understand the full commitment and cost involved.