Adult Braces in Finchley: Your Guide to Straighter Teeth

There are several reasons adults consider braces, both for appearance and function. Many patients want to correct teeth that have shifted over time, especially if they did not wear a retainer after braces as a teen. Common issues include crowding or gaps that affect self confidence when you smile. Functionally, you might have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite that causes jaw discomfort or makes chewing hard. You’re also a good candidate if you want a long term solution that improves oral hygiene, since straight teeth are easier to clean and less prone to decay and gum disease.

Your path to a new smile follows a clear plan. First, you’ll have a 60 minute consultation with digital scans and photos to assess your teeth and discuss goals. We’ll outline options such as discreet ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners. The fitting appointment comes next and lasts about 45 to 60 minutes as the braces are attached. Then you’ll have adjustment visits every 6 to 8 weeks, each lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Most treatments take 12 to 24 months. For example, a patient from North Finchley completed ceramic braces in 18 months. After treatment, the braces come off and you’ll wear a retainer to keep your results long term.

You may feel tenderness for the first three to five days after fitting or adjustments. Over the counter pain relief helps, and soft foods like pasta, soup, and yogurt are a good option in the early days. Long term care means careful brushing around brackets and using tools like interdental brushes or a water flosser to clean between teeth. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage braces. A patient from Golders Green found a water flosser made cleaning easier. Red flags include a loose bracket, a significantly irritated wire, or persistent sharp pain. If you have any concerns, contact us during office hours. For emergencies after hours, call 111.

Many adults choose Invisalign as an alternative. These clear, removable aligners are nearly invisible and convenient, with Invisalign Lite starting around £3,300 and Invisalign Full around £4,400. You can remove the aligners to eat and clean your teeth. For complex bite corrections or serious rotations, fixed ceramic braces may still be more effective or faster. During your consult, we’ll use our 3D scanner to show a simulation of your likely results with each option so you can decide what fits your lifestyle and needs.

To make an informed choice, ask these questions whether you’re with us or another Finchley practice: 1. What brace options fit my case? 2. Is the quoted price all inclusive, covering appointments, emergencies, and the first set of retainers? 3. What is the realistic total treatment time? 4. What are the pros and cons of fixed braces versus Invisalign for me? 5. What happens if a bracket breaks or a wire loosens outside office hours? 6. What is your long term retainer plan and the cost of replacement retainers? 7. Can I see before and after photos of similar cases you have treated?

We deliver clear price information for our treatments. This is a private practice, so NHS orthodontics are not available. The cost depends on type and complexity. Our most popular clear aligner options are Invisalign Lite at £3,300 and Invisalign Full at £4,400. The quoted fee covers all necessary appointments, digital scans, aligners or brackets, and your first set of Vivera retainers (worth £500). There are no hidden fees. We accept several private dental plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of your treatment. We can provide the documents you need to submit a claim.