Children's Braces in Finchley: A Guide to Private Care

The British Orthodontic Society recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. This does not mean treatment starts then, but it helps us spot and monitor problems early. You should book an assessment if you notice crooked, crowded, or gappy teeth, if your child has trouble chewing, or if their jaws seem misaligned. Early assessment, typically between ages 10 and 13 when most adult teeth are present, helps guide jaw growth and prevent more complex problems later, making treatment simpler and more effective.

The path to a straighter smile is clear. First, you’ll have a 45-minute consultation at our Finchley practice, with digital scans and X-rays to build a precise plan. Next is the fitting appointment, about 60 to 90 minutes to bond brackets and place wires. After this, you’ll return for adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks, each about 20 to 30 minutes. Most children complete treatment in 18 to 24 months. After braces come off, a retainer is fitted to protect the results long term.

The word cheap can be misleading. We focus on value. Private braces for children are an investment to avoid potential dental issues and NHS waiting lists that can exceed two years. Our costs cover consultations, fitting, adjustments, and the final retainers with no hidden fees. We accept private plans from Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa to help manage the cost. We provide a fully itemised quote after your child’s initial assessment.

A common case is a 13-year-old from North Finchley with moderate crowding of the lower front teeth. After a full assessment, we fitted traditional metal braces. The treatment took 20 months with check-ups every 8 weeks that fit after school. The family chose private care to bypass the local NHS waiting list and start treatment immediately. They used a Denplan policy to spread the cost, making it manageable for the budget. The result was a straight, confident smile before the child began their GCSEs.

While traditional metal braces are the most common and effective option for children, other options exist. Ceramic braces work in the same way but use clear or tooth-colored brackets, making them less noticeable. They suit older teens who might be more self-conscious. However, they are somewhat more expensive. Another key part of treatment is the retainer, worn after the braces are removed to keep teeth in place. We offer both fixed (a thin wire bonded behind the teeth) and removable (clear, plastic tray) retainers, and we will advise which is best for your child's needs.

It's normal for your child to feel discomfort or tenderness for the first 3 to 5 days after braces are fitted or adjusted. Teeth may feel achy and the brackets may rub cheeks and lips. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We recommend a soft-food diet for the first few days. We'll also provide orthodontic wax to place over brackets that irritate. The discomfort should subside within a week as their mouth adjusts. Call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if pain is severe or persists.

To choose wisely for your child whether at our Finchley practice or elsewhere, consider these key questions: the total all-inclusive cost of the treatment including retainers, how long you expect the treatment to take, the risks or complications you should know, how emergency appointments are handled if a wire breaks, whether you offer payment plans or accept dental insurance, what type of retainer you recommend afterwards and whether its cost is included, and who will perform the treatment and their experience with children's orthodontics.