Competitive Children's Braces for North Finchley Families

The British Orthodontic Society recommends an orthodontic assessment for most children around age 11 or 12, but signs can appear earlier. Consider a consultation if you notice crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth, or if your child has difficulty biting or chewing properly. Other indicators include jaw growth problems where the upper and lower jaws are out of line, or early or late loss of baby teeth. Some children may also have habits like thumb sucking that affect tooth alignment. Addressing these issues early can prevent more complex problems later. We often see children from North Finchley for their first assessment to help parents understand the best timing for treatment.

Your child's orthodontic treatment starts with a 45 minute initial consultation. Here we take digital X-rays and photos to assess needs. Then we discuss the best type of braces and provide a clear treatment plan and cost breakdown. If you decide to proceed, the fitting appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. After that you will visit our Finchley practice for adjustment appointments every 6 to 8 weeks. The total treatment time for most children is between 12 and 24 months. For example, a 13-year-old from North Finchley with moderate crowding recently finished treatment with fixed metal braces in 18 months. After the braces come off, your child will usually wear a retainer at night to keep the smile aligned.

Caring for teeth with braces is key to achieving the best results. In the first days after fitting or adjustments, expect some tenderness. Provide age appropriate pain relief such as paracetamol. We give orthodontic wax to prevent brackets from rubbing against cheeks. A soft food diet helps in the first days. Focus on good oral hygiene by brushing carefully around brackets and wires after every meal. Use interdental brushes to clean hard to reach areas. Regular hygiene appointments help prevent plaque buildup. If a bracket becomes loose, call our practice during office hours for advice.

These are the common and affordable option. Made from stainless steel, they are strong and effective for correcting even complex orthodontic issues. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be.

Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use clear or tooth coloured brackets, making them less noticeable. They are a popular choice for teenagers who are more self conscious about their appearance.

This system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. They are virtually invisible and allow your child to eat, drink, and clean their teeth as normal. Invisalign suits active teens who play contact sports since there are no brackets or wires to cause injury. A 15-year-old patient who plays rugby for a local North Finchley team found Invisalign Teen ideal as he could remove them for matches.

To choose what's right for your family, whether you consult with us or another practice in the North Finchley area, ask these essential questions: What is the total cost and what does it include, such as consultations, braces, adjustments, and retainers? What are the pros and cons of each type of brace for my child's specific case? What is the estimated treatment time? How do you handle emergency appointments like a broken wire or bracket? Are there financing options or payment plans available? Do you accept private dental insurance plans such as Denplan or Cigna?

We keep pricing clear. Private children's braces at our Finchley practice typically start from £2,500 for traditional fixed metal braces. The final price depends on the case and the type of brace chosen. This includes the initial assessment and all diagnostic records, the fitting of the braces, all follow-up adjustment appointments, and the first set of retainers after treatment. There are no hidden fees. We are private-only and accept insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to check coverage and get a personalised quote for your child.