Children's Orthodontics for West Finchley Families

The British Orthodontic Society recommends an assessment from age seven, though treatment often starts around twelve or thirteen when most adult teeth are present. Look for signs like crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth; large gaps; or difficulty biting or chewing. Early assessment lets us monitor jaw growth and dental development and plan treatment for the most effective time. Many parents from West Finchley bring their children for an initial check-up to create a long-term plan, ensuring issues are addressed before they become more complex.

For many parents, the difference between private and NHS orthodontics mainly concerns waiting times and treatment choices. NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s with a clear clinical need, assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). But due to high demand, waiting lists are long, sometimes two years or more. This could mean a child misses the ideal window for treatment. Private care at our Finchley practice removes this wait. The NHS typically offers traditional metal braces, while private options include more discreet solutions like clear Invisalign aligners, which are often preferred by self-conscious teenagers. While private treatment has a cost, it gives immediate access to a wider range of modern treatments.

The process begins with a 45-minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. We'll take digital scans and photos to assess your child's teeth and discuss the best options. For a treatment like Invisalign, we'll create a 3D digital model showing the expected results. Once you approve the plan, custom aligners are made. Your child will wear each set for 1-2 weeks, for at least 22 hours a day, before moving to the next. We'll schedule check-ups every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress. A typical Invisalign treatment for a teenager lasts between 12 and 18 months. For example, a 14-year-old from West Finchley with moderate crowding recently completed her Invisalign Full treatment in 16 months, with convenient after-school appointments.

We offer clear upfront pricing with no surprises. While we avoid terms like 'cheap', we provide value and payment flexibility. Our prices for Invisalign are: * Invisalign Lite: 3,300 pounds. * Invisalign Full: 4,400 pounds. These fees are comprehensive, including all aligners, attachments, appointments, and one set of Vivera retainers worth 500 pounds to maintain the results. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we do accept major dental insurance plans, including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa, which can help cover the cost of your child's treatment. A 13-year-old patient from a nearby North London area used Denplan coverage to reduce the cost of their Invisalign Lite treatment, which finished in 10 months.

To choose wisely for your child, ask the right questions whether you visit our Finchley practice or another provider. Here are key questions: 1. What orthodontic options suit my child's case? 2. What is the total cost and what does it cover? 3. Are retainers included, and what is the plan for wearing them? 4. How long will treatment take from start to finish? 5. What if an aligner is lost or a bracket breaks? 6. How often are appointments needed? 7. Do you offer payment plans or accept Denplan or Cigna?

After the active phase of treatment, the retention phase begins to keep teeth in the new position. Your child will wear a retainer as instructed. We provide Vivera retainers, custom-made and durable. Typically worn full-time for a few months, then nightly for the long term. It is vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular check-ups and cleanings become more important to protect the investment and keep your child's teeth and gums healthy for life. If you have issues, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7).