Children's Braces in Finchley: Specialist-Level Orthodontic Care

The British Orthodontic Society says a first check is best around age 7. Most treatment starts between 11 and 13. If you notice crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth, large gaps, or trouble biting or chewing, book a consultation at our Finchley practice. Sometimes problems are less obvious, like a bite that is out of alignment (overbite or underbite). Braces improve appearance and support oral health by making teeth easier to clean and by correcting bite problems that could lead to jaw pain or wear later in life.

You and your child begin with a 60‑minute consultation, including digital imaging and a thorough assessment to choose the best plan. The fitting appointment follows, usually taking about 60 to 90 minutes, as brackets are placed. Then we schedule adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks, each about 20 to 30 minutes. Most children complete treatment in 18 to 24 months. When the teeth align, the braces come off and a retainer is made to keep the smile stable long term.

In the first week, your child experiences mild tenderness for 3 to 5 days after fitting or adjustment. The cheeks and lips feel irritated during adjustment. We advise a soft food diet at first—smoothies, soups, pasta. Paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for their age helps with soreness. We provide orthodontic wax to cover any irritated area.

Good oral hygiene is essential. Your child should brush around brackets and wires after every meal. We teach the best techniques and recommend special brushes. Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that damage braces. If a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose, this is not a major emergency but should be addressed. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Tue/Thu 11 AM-7 PM) to schedule a repair. For severe pain or trauma outside these hours, contact NHS 111 or visit A&E.

Traditional metal braces are effective for many issues in children, but they are not the only option. For teenagers worried about appearance, clear aligners like Invisalign Teen offer a discreet alternative. They are removable, nearly invisible, and work well in many cases. During the consultation we discuss the pros and cons of each. For example, a 13-year-old from East Finchley with moderate crowding chose traditional braces for effectiveness, finishing in 20 months. Another 15-year-old from Golders Green, who plays a musical instrument, chose Invisalign to avoid interference and achieved good results in 16 months.

To make an informed choice for your child, whether you visit us or another practice in North London, here are key questions to ask: What specific orthodontic issues does my child have? Based on your experience, which type of brace will work best and why? What is the total estimated cost, and what does it include (consultations, adjustments, retainers)? How do you handle emergency appointments for issues like a broken wire? What is the expected duration of the treatment, and what happens if it takes longer? What are the long-term retention plans after braces are removed?

As a private practice, we provide children's orthodontic treatment outside of the NHS. This means you can start treatment without delay. The cost of children's braces depends on the complexity of the case and the type of brace chosen. After a full clinical assessment, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a transparent, all-inclusive fee. While we do not have a fixed price for children's braces, our Invisalign treatments start from £3,300, which serves as a general guide for comprehensive care. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss how your policy may apply to orthodontic treatment.