Adult Orthodontics for West Finchley Patients

You might consider adult orthodontics for several reasons. Our patients often want to correct years of crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. Some have bite issues such as an overbite or underbite that cause jaw discomfort or uneven wear. If you are preparing for other cosmetic work like veneers or implants, aligning your teeth first creates a solid foundation. A West Finchley patient, a 45-year-old professional, chose Invisalign to address lower crowding that made cleaning difficult. The 14-month treatment improved his smile and his oral hygiene overall.

Your treatment starts with a 60-minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We take digital scans and photos to build a 3D model of your teeth. For Invisalign, this helps map your complete plan and preview the final result before you start. If you proceed, your custom aligners are made. You wear each set for one to two weeks, about 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, and brush. You visit for quick checks every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress. Most full Invisalign cases take 12 to 18 months. When the teeth reach their new position, you will wear a Vivera retainer at night to keep the results for as long as needed.

The first days after starting a new aligner set or following an adjustment may bring some mild tenderness. The top priority after treatment is retention. Wear your retainer as instructed, usually every night for life, to prevent shifting. Maintain excellent oral hygiene, and we will show you how to clean around attachments or retainers. A regular dental check-up every six months is advised. If you notice a sharp edge on an aligner causing irritation, an attachment loosening, or loss or breakage of an aligner, contact us during office hours.

Invisalign is a common choice for adults, but it is not the only option. Traditional fixed braces with modern clear or ceramic brackets are still strong for very complex bite corrections and can sometimes be faster. They are more visible and can be tougher to keep clean. For purely cosmetic issues on front teeth, cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers offer an alternative. These options are faster, often 2 to 3 appointments, but do not correct the underlying tooth position and may need replacement every 7 to 15 years. We discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation to match your goals and budget.

We provide clear upfront pricing with no hidden fees. At our Finchley practice, the costs for Invisalign are: Invisalign Lite: £3,300 for minor corrections; Invisalign Full: £4,400 for comprehensive cases; Vivera Retainers (set of 3): £500. This fee covers all aligners, appointments, 3D digital scanning, and any necessary refinements. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics. We do accept plans from private insurers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please check with your provider about your specific coverage for orthodontic treatment.

To choose what is right for you, ask key questions whether you visit us or another practice in the West Finchley area. Inquire about the total cost and what is included in the quote. Are retainers extra? Ask about the experience with adult cases similar to yours and request to see before and after photos. Find out what happens if teeth do not move as planned. Finally, understand the retention plan: how long you will wear a retainer and the cost of a replacement if it is lost or broken.