Professional Metal Braces for West Finchley Patients

Metal braces suit moderate to severe alignment issues. Consider them if you have noticeable crowding, large gaps between teeth, or an imperfect bite such as an overbite or underbite that affects chewing. They are also strong for complex cases that are not ideal for clear aligners. A West Finchley teenager recently started treatment for a severe overbite; braces delivered the necessary jaw and tooth movement. Many patients choose metal braces for their durability and cost efficiency compared with other orthodontic systems. The success rate is high, making this a trusted method for achieving lasting changes.

Your journey begins with a 45 minute consultation, including digital X rays and a 3D scan of your teeth. Then at a 60 minute visit we bond the small metal brackets to each tooth and connect them with a thin archwire. This part is painless. You will come to our Finchley practice every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments, when we tighten the wires to guide your teeth into the correct position. These appointments take about 20 to 30 minutes. The total treatment time for most patients is 18 to 24 months. After the braces are removed, you’ll receive a custom retainer to keep your teeth in their new alignment for the long term.

In the first days after your braces are fitted, it is common to feel mild discomfort as your teeth adjust. You can manage this with over the counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, and pasta for the first 24 to 48 hours. Your cheeks and lips may need a week or so to get used to the brackets; we provide orthodontic wax to cover irritated areas. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing carefully around the brackets after every meal. If you experience severe pain or a bracket breaks, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9–5, Tue/Thu 11–7). For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or visit A&E.

While metal braces are highly effective, other options exist. Ceramic braces work the same way but use tooth coloured or clear brackets, making them less noticeable. They can be a bit more expensive and may require a longer treatment time. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear plastic aligners. This option is discreet for mild to moderate cases but requires strict wear, as you need to use them for about 22 hours a day. For a Muswell Hill patient who wanted a less visible option for minor crowding, Invisalign was a perfect fit and completed in just under a year. In your consultation, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each to find the best solution for your teeth and lifestyle.

To make an informed choice, ask the right questions at our practice or another in North London. First, request a clear breakdown of total cost including the consultation, fitting, all adjustment appointments, and retainers. Ask for the estimated treatment duration for your case. Inquire about the clinician’s experience with cases similar to yours. Find out what happens if a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose outside office hours. Finally, discuss the different retainer options (fixed versus removable) and their costs and maintenance to ensure long lasting results.

At our private practice the price for traditional metal braces typically ranges from £2,000 to £3,500. This all inclusive price covers your initial assessment, the fitting of the braces, all follow up adjustment appointments for the duration of your treatment, and your first set of removable retainers. There are no hidden fees. Final price depends on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of your orthodontic costs. We can provide the necessary documents to submit a claim to your provider.