Your Local Orthodontist Near Finchley Central

You should consider orthodontic treatment if you are unhappy with how your teeth align or how your jaw fits together. Common reasons patients from Finchley Central seek treatment include crowded or crooked teeth that are hard to clean, or gaps between teeth that affect their smile. You might also have bite issues like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can cause jaw pain or uneven tooth wear. Many adults pursue treatment for cosmetic improvements, while for children and teens, treatment can guide jaw growth and correct problems early. If you prioritise a long term solution for both the appearance and health of your teeth, an orthodontic assessment is the right first step.

Your treatment begins with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We take digital scans and X rays to create a 3D model of your teeth and discuss your goals. Then we present a personalised treatment plan with a clear timeline and costs. For a treatment like Invisalign Full, the process usually spans 12 to 18 months. You swap to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks and have check ups every 6 to 8 weeks. For fixed braces, you visit every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. For example, a recent patient working in Finchley chose Invisalign Lite to correct minor lower crowding. The treatment lasted seven months and cost £3,300. Another teenage patient from a nearby North London area needed comprehensive fixed braces to correct a deep overbite, taking 22 months. After the active phase, you move to retention to keep your results long term.

After braces are fitted or you start a new aligner, you may feel mild discomfort or pressure for the first 2 to 3 days. This signals your teeth are moving and is typically managed with over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Stick to soft foods like soup, pasta, and yoghurt during this initial period. With fixed braces, clean around the brackets carefully using interdental brushes. With Invisalign, you simply remove the aligners to brush and floss as usual. Long term, the key step in aftercare is wearing your retainer. After treatment you will wear Vivera retainers nightly, indefinitely, to prevent tooth movement. If you experience a broken wire or severe pain, please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

While orthodontic treatment is the standard method for moving teeth, there are options for purely cosmetic concerns too. Composite bonding applies a tooth coloured resin to change the shape and appearance of teeth. It is a quick one visit and relatively affordable option for small gaps or chips, but it does not address underlying alignment issues and lasts about 5 to 7 years. Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of teeth. They offer a dramatic cosmetic improvement but require removing a small amount of enamel and involve a larger financial investment than bonding. During your consultation we will openly discuss whether these alternatives meet your goals or if orthodontic movement is necessary for a healthy, lasting result.

To choose what fits you best, ask questions when you meet with us or another practice in the Finchley area. Consider these points: what treatment options suit my case, what is the total cost and what does it include, what is the expected treatment time and what factors could change it, who will carry out my treatment and what is their experience with similar cases, how will you monitor progress, what risks or complications should I know about, and what happens if I move away or need to transfer care during treatment.

We list prices openly based on the complexity and type of treatment. Invisalign Lite costs £3,300 and Invisalign Full costs £4,400. Vivera retainers (three sets) are £500 and are essential for aftercare. These prices include all necessary appointments, digital scans, and fitting. There are no hidden fees. While we operate as a private practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics, we accept private dental insurance plans from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Check with your plan to confirm the extent of orthodontic coverage.