Children's Orthodontics in Finchley: Braces & Invisalign Guide

The best time for a child to have an orthodontic check up is around age 7 to 9. At this stage we can spot subtle issues with jaw growth or emerging adult teeth that are easier to correct early. Book a consultation at our Finchley practice if you notice crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, if your child has trouble chewing or biting, or if they breathe through their mouth. Early assessment does not always mean braces right away; it is often about watching how the mouth develops and planning the best time to start treatment for the strongest, most efficient results.

Starting with a 45 minute consultation, we use digital X‑rays and scans to build a precise 3D model of your child’s teeth and mouth. From there we create a personalised treatment plan. If they choose fixed braces, the fitting takes about 60 to 90 minutes. After that, you will come in for adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks. For Invisalign Teen, your child will wear a series of custom aligners that are swapped every 1 to 2 weeks. Most treatment plans for children last between 18 and 24 months. A 13 year old from North Finchley recently finished Invisalign Teen in 16 months and had check ins every two months to track progress.

Fixed metal or ceramic braces are effective for complex bite and alignment issues. They work continuously, so daily wear is not a concern. They are reliable and often more affordable, but they require careful cleaning to avoid plaque and they come with dietary restrictions such as avoiding hard or sticky foods. They suit children who need substantial correction or might forget to wear removable aligners.

Invisalign Teen uses clear, removable aligners that are nearly invisible. This helps teens who feel self conscious about braces. Because the aligners are removable, cleaning teeth is easier and there are no food restrictions. Success depends on wearing them about 22 hours a day. Invisalign Teen includes blue indicators to help you track wear and provides up to six free replacement aligners if any are lost or broken. It works best for mild to moderate crowding and spacing. A 15 year old from Muswell Hill chose Invisalign to straighten her teeth discreetly and finished in time for prom photos.

After the braces are fitted you may feel some mild discomfort for the first 3 to 5 days. Over the counter pain relief can help. We provide orthodontic wax to prevent rubbing on the cheeks and lips. Good oral hygiene is essential; your child should brush carefully around brackets and wires after every meal. When treatment ends, a retainer keeps the teeth in place. Most patients wear a removable retainer at night for the long term. Not wearing the retainer is the most common reason teeth shift back.

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontics. Our pricing is transparent from the start. Invisalign starts at 3,300 pounds for simpler cases and 4,400 pounds for more complex ones. This includes all aligners, appointments, and one set of Vivera retainers valued at 500 pounds. Traditional braces usually cost between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on complexity. We provide a clear quote after your initial visit and there are no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna; check your policy for orthodontic coverage details.

To help you choose the right provider for your child, consider asking these questions whether you come to our practice or another in Finchley: what treatment you recommend for my child and why, the total cost and whether it covers all visits and final retainers, how long the treatment is likely to take, what happens if a bracket breaks or a wire loosens after hours, how you monitor my child’s oral health during treatment, and the pros and cons of fixed braces versus Invisalign for their specific case.