Children's Invisalign Provider for North Finchley Families

Invisalign suits mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowding, gaps, or bite problems like overbite or underbite. It's popular with families who prefer a less visible option than metal braces. It's convenient because aligners are removable for sports, playing musical instruments, and special occasions. Treatment typically starts when most adult teeth have erupted, around ages 11-13, but younger children (6-10) have the option of Invisalign First to guide jaw growth and create space for developing teeth.

First, attend a 45-minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We use a 3D iTero scanner to take precise digital impressions of your child's teeth—no messy moulds required. From this we create a digital treatment plan (ClinCheck), showing the predicted final result. Next, your child's custom aligners are fabricated from SmartTrack material. You receive a series of aligners to be changed at home every 1-2 weeks. We schedule brief check-up appointments every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress. For teens, the aligners include compliance indicators (small blue dots) that fade with wear to help ensure they wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. The entire process typically takes 12-18 months. Finally, after treatment, your child wears a Vivera retainer nightly to maintain the results.

In the first days of wearing a new set of aligners, your child might feel mild pressure or discomfort as teeth begin to move. This signals progress and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Oral hygiene is simple: the child removes the aligners to brush and floss as usual. The aligners themselves should be cleaned daily with a soft brush and lukewarm water. There are no dietary restrictions, but remember to remove the aligners for meals and drinks other than water to prevent staining. If an aligner is lost or broken, contact us right away. Call the practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) for guidance. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

Invisalign works well but is not the only option. Traditional fixed metal braces suit more complex cases and are often more budget-friendly. Ceramic braces offer a less conspicuous alternative with clear or tooth-colored brackets. For very minor issues, a removable appliance might suffice. Invisalign is private only and not offered through the NHS. NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children under 18 with a clear clinical need, assessed with the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, but usually involves traditional metal braces and can have long waiting lists. During the consultation, we review all suitable options for your child and your family budget.

To choose the right option, discuss with the provider common questions such as whether my child is a better candidate for Invisalign Teen or traditional braces and why, the total cost including consultations, scans, all aligners and retainers, how long the treatment is expected to take for my child, what happens if an aligner is lost or not worn enough, any fees for emergencies or refinements, whether before-and-after examples can be shown, how progress is monitored, and what retainers are included and the long-term plan for maintaining results.

As a private treatment, the cost of children's Invisalign reflects the advanced technology and customisation involved. At our practice, Invisalign treatment for teens typically falls within the range of our full treatment plans, starting from £4,400. Invisalign Lite for simpler cases starts at £3,300. This fee is comprehensive and includes: The initial 3D digital scan and consultation All custom-made aligner sets for the duration of treatment All scheduled check-up appointments A set of Vivera retainers at the end of treatment to maintain the results There are no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of the cost depending on your policy. We can discuss payment plans during your consultation to make the treatment more accessible for your family.