Private Orthodontics for Children & Teens in Finchley

The British Orthodontic Society recommends an assessment around age seven, with treatment often starting between 11 and 14. You should consider a consultation if you notice signs such as crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty chewing or biting properly, or if your child’s jaw seems to click or shift. Early or late loss of baby teeth can also indicate that adult teeth may not have enough space to grow in correctly. For example, a 12-year-old from Finchley came to us with severe lower crowding. We were able to start treatment with fixed braces within weeks of his consultation, guiding his teeth into the correct position over 18 months.

Your child’s orthodontic process is a clear plan designed for the best results. First, you’ll have an initial 45-minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we take digital scans and X-rays to create a precise treatment plan. Next, we’ll schedule the fit appointment, which lasts about 60 to 90 minutes to place the brackets and wires for fixed braces. Then, you’ll visit us for adjustments every six to eight weeks. These visits are shorter, around 20 to 30 minutes each. The active treatment phase typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. After the braces are removed, your child will receive retainers to keep their new smile long term.

Metal or ceramic fixed braces are a common and effective solution for complex orthodontic issues. They include brackets bonded to each tooth connected by a wire, guiding the teeth into alignment. They work well for correcting crowding, gaps, and bite problems. While they are visible, modern ceramic options offer a more discreet look. They provide reliable control over the treatment outcome.

For teens who care about aesthetics, Invisalign Teen may be a good option. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. They should be worn about 22 hours a day but can be removed for eating, cleaning, and special occasions. A 15-year-old patient from Muswell Hill chose Invisalign Teen because she was concerned about playing the flute with fixed braces. Her treatment lasted 16 months, and she valued the flexibility. This option suits less severe cases of misalignment.

Adapting to life with braces is straightforward with proper care. In the first days after fitting or adjustments, your child may feel mild soreness, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relief. A soft diet is best initially. The most important part of aftercare is great oral hygiene. We’ll show your child how to clean around the brackets and under the wires to prevent plaque buildup. They should avoid very hard, chewy, or sticky foods to prevent damage. If a bracket comes loose, call our practice during office hours for advice.

We operate as a private-only practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics. The cost reflects the personalised care, advanced technology, and prompt start times we provide. Prices vary based on the complexity of the case and the type of brace chosen. For example, Invisalign treatment at our practice starts from £3,300. A full quote will follow the initial consultation, with a clear breakdown of all costs including appointments, braces, and retainers. We accept private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the treatment. There are no hidden fees.

To choose the right option for your child, come prepared with questions. Ask about the specific orthodontic issues you have, which brace is recommended and why, how long the treatment is expected to take, the total cost and what it includes, how progress will be monitored, any risks or complications to expect, and what happens if a bracket breaks or a wire loosens outside office hours.