Choosing the Right Children's Braces in Finchley Central

The British Orthodontic Society recommends an initial orthodontic assessment for children around the age of 7. This doesn't mean treatment will start right away, but it allows us to identify developing issues early. You should consider a consultation if you notice common signs like crooked, overlapping, or gapped teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, or if your child's jaw seems misaligned. Early assessment can sometimes lead to simpler, less invasive treatment later on. Many of our young patients from Finchley Central and the surrounding areas visit us for this initial check-up to create a long-term plan for their oral health.

The journey to a straighter smile is a structured process. First, an initial 45-minute consultation involves a thorough examination, digital x-rays, and photos. We'll discuss all options with you and your child. Next is the fitting appointment, which usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to place the braces. After that, you'll visit our Finchley practice every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments, which are shorter appointments of around 20 to 30 minutes. The total treatment time typically ranges from 18 to 24 months. Finally, after the braces are removed, your child will be fitted with a retainer to wear, usually at night, to maintain their new smile for life.

It's normal for your child to experience some discomfort or tenderness for the first few days after their braces are fitted or adjusted. This can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers suitable for children. A soft food diet (soups, yogurts, pasta) is recommended for the first 48-72 hours. Diligent cleaning is vital; we'll show your child how to brush and floss effectively around the brackets and wires. Your child should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like toffees, hard-boiled sweets, and chewing gum to prevent breakages. Should a bracket become loose, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) for advice. For emergencies outside these hours, contact NHS 111.

A 9-year-old patient from Finchley Central was brought in by his parents, who were concerned about severe crowding in his lower teeth. After an assessment, we recommended a removable appliance to help guide the growth of his jaw. He wore this for 12 months, creating enough space for his adult teeth to erupt more favourably. This early step will likely reduce the time he needs to wear fixed braces in his teenage years.

A 14-year-old girl was self-conscious about her overbite. We fitted her with traditional metal braces, which she chose for their effectiveness. Her treatment lasted 22 months, with regular adjustment appointments at our practice. The result was a beautifully aligned smile and a functional bite, which she now maintains by wearing her Vivera retainers nightly. The total cost was managed with a payment plan through Denplan.

To make an informed choice for your child, whether you visit us or another practice in North London, here are some key questions to ask. What is your experience with treating children of this age? What are all the treatment options available, and what are the pros and cons of each? What is the total estimated cost, and what does it include (e.g., retainers, emergency visits)? How long do you expect the treatment to take? What is the procedure if a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose, especially outside of office hours?

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontic treatment. The cost of private children's braces varies depending on the type of brace used and the complexity of the case. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with all costs clearly outlined after the initial consultation, ensuring no hidden fees. Many parents find the investment in their child's confidence and long-term oral health worthwhile. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and we can discuss payment plan options to help spread the cost of treatment.