Traditional Metal Braces in East Finchley for a Perfect Smile

Metal braces suit significant alignment issues. Consider this treatment if you face moderate to severe overcrowding, large gaps between teeth, or complex bite problems like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. They work well if you prioritise effectiveness and predictability over aesthetics during treatment. For instance, a patient from East Finchley chose metal braces to correct a deep overbite that Invisalign could not fully address. Because the brackets are fixed to your teeth, they work continuously, making them a highly efficient solution for patients who want a treatment that does not require remembering to wear aligners.

Your treatment journey starts with a 60-minute consultation, including digital imaging to plan precise tooth movement. The next step is the fitting appointment, which usually lasts 60-90 minutes, where we bond the brackets to your teeth and place the archwire. After that, you visit our Finchley practice every 6-8 weeks for adjustments, where we tighten or change the wires to continue the straightening process. The total treatment time typically ranges from 18 to 24 months. For example, a teenager from Muswell Hill with severe crowding completed their treatment in 22 months. After your teeth are straight, braces are removed and you receive a custom Vivera retainer (£500) to help keep your new smile long term.

It's normal to feel some mild discomfort or tenderness for the first 3-5 days as your teeth and mouth adjust. This is easily managed with over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. You'll need to adapt your diet, avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods to prevent damaging the brackets. Your oral hygiene routine will change; you'll need to use interdental brushes to clean carefully around the brackets and under the wires to prevent plaque buildup. In the long term, consistent retainer wear after the braces are removed is essential to maintain your results. Should you experience a broken wire or bracket that is causing irritation, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out-of-hours emergencies that involve severe pain or injury, call 111.

While metal braces are highly effective, other options exist. Invisalign clear aligners are a popular alternative due to their near invisibility. They are great for mild to moderate cases and can be removed for eating and cleaning. However, they require strict wear for about 22 hours a day and may not suit complex bite corrections. Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth coloured or clear brackets, making them less noticeable. They provide a good aesthetic compromise but can be more expensive and slightly more prone to staining than metal braces. During your consultation, we will discuss which option best fits your clinical needs, lifestyle, and budget.

The private metal brace treatment at our London practice starts from £2,800. This is a guide price; the final fee depends on the complexity and length of your treatment. The price includes your initial consultation, all fitting and adjustment appointments, and your first set of retainers. There are no hidden fees. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS orthodontic services. We do accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us with your policy details so we can help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.

To make an informed choice about your orthodontic care, here are some important questions to ask any provider, whether it is us or another practice in North London. What is the total cost of the treatment, including retainers? How long do you estimate my treatment will take? Are there any foods I absolutely must avoid? What happens if a bracket or wire breaks outside of office hours? Will I need any teeth extracted before the braces are fitted? How often will I need to come in for adjustment appointments? Understanding these details upfront will help you feel confident in your decision.