Adult Orthodontics for North Finchley Patients

If you have crowded or crooked teeth that make cleaning tricky and raise the risk of gum disease, you may benefit from adult orthodontics. Bite problems such as an overbite or underbite often cause jaw pain or uneven tooth wear. You might notice your teeth shifting over time, even if you wore braces as a teen. A common scenario in North Finchley is a professional who wants more confidence in meetings and chooses Invisalign. Another example is a parent who focuses on their children's teeth and then decides it is their turn to invest in their own smile.

The process starts with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice, including digital scans and a full oral health assessment. We discuss your goals and present options such as Invisalign or fixed ceramic braces. Invisalign treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months, with aligners worn for about 22 hours a day and reviews every 6 to 8 weeks. Fixed braces require visits every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments over 15 to 24 months. After the teeth reach the desired position, we move into retention. A custom Vivera retainer is worn nightly to help keep the results long term, with a typical cost of around £500 for the retainers.

After braces are fitted, you may feel mild tenderness for the first few days. This is managed with standard pain relief. Start with soft foods during the initial period. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing carefully around brackets or cleaning aligners daily. The key to long term success is consistent retainer wear. Not wearing the retainer is the main cause of relapse. For a broken wire or bracket, call our office during opening hours for guidance. If it is an emergency outside those hours, contact the relevant health service.

For minor cosmetic concerns, there are alternatives to full orthodontic treatment. Invisalign Lite is designed for simple cases and may complete within several months. Cosmetic bonding or veneers address gaps or chips without moving the teeth, though they do not correct bite issues. A fixed bridge or dental implant could fix a missing tooth that causes others to shift. We review all suitable options during your consultation to fit your situation.

To choose the right provider in the North Finchley area, consider these questions. Ask what the quoted price includes, such as consultations, scans, adjustments, and retainers. Inquire about the dentist's experience with adult orthodontic cases and request before and after photos. Seek information on the expected timeline and what happens if treatment takes longer than planned. Finally, understand the long term commitment, including the type of retainer and any ongoing costs.

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontics, which is usually limited to patients under 18. Our pricing is transparent, with Invisalign Lite starting at £3,300 and Invisalign Full at £4,400. This price covers all essential appointments, digital scans, and your first set of aligners. The final retainers (Vivera) are an additional cost of £500. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the treatment. A detailed cost breakdown with no hidden fees follows your initial consultation.