Expert Children's Braces in Finchley for a Healthy Smile

The British Orthodontic Society recommends a child's first orthodontic check-up around the age of 7. While treatment may not start until they're older (typically 11-14), an early assessment allows us to monitor jaw growth and spot developing issues. You should consider booking a consultation at our Finchley practice if you notice common signs like crowded or overlapping teeth, large gaps between teeth, or difficulties with biting and chewing. Other indicators include thumb-sucking habits past age five or if your child's top and bottom teeth don't meet correctly. Addressing these issues early can lead to simpler, shorter treatment down the line.

Your child's orthodontic process is a structured journey. It starts with a 60-minute initial consultation, where we take digital images and X-rays to create a precise diagnosis. Next, we'll discuss the best type of braces and present a full treatment plan. The fitting appointment itself takes around 60-90 minutes, where we carefully bond the brackets to the teeth. After this, you'll visit us for adjustment appointments every 6-8 weeks, which are shorter sessions of about 20-30 minutes. The total treatment time for most children is between 18-24 months. For example, a 13-year-old from North Finchley with moderate crowding completed their treatment in just 20 months and was thrilled with the result before starting their GCSEs. Finally, after the braces are removed, we fit a custom retainer, which is essential for maintaining the new smile long-term.

Looking after teeth with braces is essential for a great final result. In the first few days, your child might feel some mild discomfort or tenderness as their teeth begin to move; this is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers suitable for children. We recommend a soft food diet for the first 48 hours, like soup, yoghurt, and pasta. Thorough cleaning is very important. We'll show your child how to brush effectively around the brackets and wires using special orthodontic toothbrushes. They must avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods like toffees, boiled sweets, and crusty bread, as these can damage the brace. A recent 11-year-old patient from East Finchley found using a water flosser made cleaning much easier. If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is causing irritation, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these hours, contact NHS 111.

The main alternative to private orthodontic treatment is seeking care through the NHS. NHS orthodontics are free for under-18s who meet the clinical need criteria. However, the significant downside is the waiting list, which can be several years long in many parts of London. This delay can mean your child starts treatment later than ideal. With private care, treatment can begin immediately, you have more choice over the type of braces (e.g., tooth-coloured ceramic brackets), and appointment times are more flexible. For very minor alignment issues, a removable appliance might be an option instead of a full fixed brace. We'll discuss all suitable choices during your consultation to help you decide what's best for your child and family.

To make an informed choice, it's a good idea to ask questions, whether you consult with us or another practice in Finchley. Here are some important things to ask: - What is your experience with treating children of this age? - What specific orthodontic problem does my child have? - How long do you expect the treatment to take? - What does the total cost include? Does it cover retainers and any emergency visits? - What are the pros and cons of the different types of braces you offer? - How do you handle appointments if a part of the brace breaks? - Do you accept dental insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna for orthodontic work?

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontic treatment. Private children's braces typically start from £2,800 for standard fixed metal braces. This fee includes the initial assessment, X-rays, and treatment planning. The fitting of the braces. All adjustment appointments throughout the treatment period. Emergency appointments for breakages. A set of removable retainers at the end of treatment. There are no hidden fees, and we provide a detailed cost breakdown before starting. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of the cost. Please check the terms of your specific policy.