Adult Orthodontic Treatment in West Finchley

Adults pursue orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons and for functional health. People often feel unhappy with crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. You might have bite issues that cause jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, or trouble chewing. Orthodontics goes beyond looks; it can improve how you clean your teeth and lower the risk of decay and gum disease. If your braces relapse after adolescence or you are ready to invest in your smile long term, it is worth exploring your options.

First, you’ll have a 60 minute initial consultation at our Finchley clinic. The visit includes a thorough exam, digital imaging, and a 3D scan of your teeth. We’ll discuss your goals and present the best options for you, such as Invisalign or fixed braces. If you choose Invisalign, your custom aligners are created and you’ll switch to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks. For fixed braces, we bond the brackets to your teeth. You will have check up appointments every 6 to 8 weeks to monitor progress and adjustments. Most adult treatments take between 12 and 24 months. After the teeth are aligned, you move to the retention phase to keep your new smile.

Adjusting to braces usually takes a few days. You may feel mild discomfort as your teeth start to move, which is manageable with over the counter pain relief. In the first week, sticking to soft foods helps. Good oral hygiene is essential; brush and floss carefully around brackets to prevent plaque buildup. After treatment, wearing a retainer helps keep teeth in place. Most patients wear retainers nightly for the long term to prevent relapse. If you have significant pain or a broken appliance, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

For minor issues, alternatives may suit you better. Cosmetic bonding fixes small chips, gaps, or uneven edges in a single visit. It is quicker and less expensive, but it does not move teeth and may need replacement every 5 to 7 years. Porcelain veneers cover the front surface of teeth to create a smooth, even look. They require removing a small amount of enamel and are a larger investment. For faster results in minor cosmetic alignment of the front teeth, Invisalign Lite is an option with treatment times around 6 to 8 months.

To make an informed choice, here are essential questions to ask any provider in the West Finchley area. What are all the treatment options suitable for my case such as fixed braces or Invisalign? What is the total cost and what does it include like consultations, retainers, and emergency visits? How long might my treatment take? What are the risks or challenges with my teeth? Can I see before and after photos of similar cases you have treated? What happens if a bracket breaks or an aligner is lost? What is the plan for retention after the braces are removed to keep teeth from moving again?

We believe in clear pricing. Private adult orthodontic treatment is a personalised service, and costs vary with complexity and brace type. As a guide, Invisalign Lite for simpler cases is £3,300, while Invisalign Full for more comprehensive treatment is £4,400. These prices include the consultation, 3D scans, all aligners, attachments, review appointments, and your first set of Vivera retainers (£500 value). There are no hidden fees. We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics, which is typically not available for adults. We do, however, accept patients with private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can discuss payment options during your consultation.