A Parent's Guide to Children's Braces in Finchley

Most orthodontic work starts when a child is about 12 or 13, after most adult teeth have come through. It can help to have an assessment earlier, around age 8 or 9, to spot developing issues. Seek an orthodontic consult if you notice visible crowding or crooked teeth, trouble chewing or biting, or if the top and bottom teeth do not meet well. Habits like long term thumb sucking can also affect alignment. An early check at our Finchley practice helps decide the best time to start treatment for strong, lasting results.

The path to a straighter smile starts with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. We take digital images and X rays to understand your child’s teeth and jaw. Then we discuss brace options and agree on a plan. The fitting appointment usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. After that, you will come in for adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks. These shorter visits last 20 to 30 minutes to tighten wires and check progress. Treatment for most children runs about 18 to 24 months. When the braces come off, a retainer will be fitted to keep the new smile intact.

Traditional metal braces are a common and effective choice for children. They are durable and good for correcting complex bite and alignment issues. They use high grade stainless steel brackets and wires. Many children enjoy adding colour bands at each visit. They often represent a cost effective private option. For example, a 13 year old from East Finchley with crowding finished an 18 month treatment with metal braces and was happy with the result and the colour choices.

Invisalign offers a discrete option for teens who prefer not to wear visible braces. These clear removable aligners are custom made to shift teeth gradually. They should be worn about 22 hours a day and can be removed for eating, brushing and sports. This makes cleaning easier than with fixed braces. We recently treated a 15 year old from North Finchley who plays the flute. Invisalign Teen fit her lifestyle well as it did not interfere with practice and friends hardly noticed the treatment. Invisalign Lite for simpler cases costs £3,300 at our practice.

Right after fitting, it is normal to feel some discomfort for 2 to 3 days as the teeth adjust. Over the counter pain relief can help. Start with soft foods like soup, pasta and yogurt for the first days. Good brushing around the brackets and wires after each meal is important. We provide special brushes to help. Try to avoid hard chewy or sticky foods that could damage the brace. If a bracket comes loose, call our practice during office hours for advice. For emergencies outside those hours call 111.

To choose what fits your family, whether you see us or another practice in Finchley, ask these essential questions: What is the total cost of treatment including all appointments and retainers? Are there extra fees for emergency visits or repairs? Which brace type do you think suits my child and why? How long do you estimate the treatment will take? What about sports or music practice while wearing braces? How will we manage brushing and diet, and do you provide a starter kit? Do you offer payment plans or accept private insurance such as Denplan or Cigna?

Private orthodontic treatment for children in the UK generally costs between £2,000 and £4,500 depending on brace type and case complexity. At our Finchley practice we provide a clear quote with no hidden fees after the initial consultation. For example, Invisalign Lite is £3,300. The quoted price includes the braces, all adjustment appointments and the first set of retainers. While we are private only and do not offer NHS treatment, we do accept private dental insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan and Cigna. Please contact us to see how your policy may apply to orthodontic care.