Adult Braces in Finchley: A Guide to Your Options

If you are unhappy with the look of your smile because teeth are crooked, crowded, or spaced, you might consider adult braces. Adults who missed orthodontics in youth often seek treatment to boost confidence. There are practical reasons as well: misaligned teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. An improper bite can lead to jaw pain or accelerated wear on teeth. If you live in Finchley or North London and notice any of these issues, a consultation could show whether orthodontic treatment fits you. A 35-year-old client from East Finchley recently completed a 14-month Invisalign treatment to correct lower crowding and is happy with easier daily cleaning.

First, you have a 45-minute consultation at our Finchley practice with digital scans and a discussion of your goals. If you choose a system like Invisalign, your custom aligners are made, and you switch to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks. For fixed braces, a 60-minute appointment bonds the brackets to your teeth. You return for check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks to track progress. Total treatment time varies; clear aligners typically take 6 to 18 months and fixed braces 18 to 24 months. After the teeth are straight, you receive a retainer to wear at night to keep the results long term.

In the first days after braces are fitted or adjusted, you may feel tenderness in teeth and gums. This discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Stick to soft foods for the first 48 hours. With fixed braces, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage brackets. Maintain excellent oral hygiene and spend extra time cleaning around brackets and wires. If pain becomes severe, a wire breaks, or a bracket loosens, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7) for guidance. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111.

Fixed metal or ceramic braces work well, especially for complex cases. Clear aligners such as Invisalign remain the most popular option for adults because of their discreet look. They are removable, so there are no food restrictions and cleaning is easier. They require wearing them about 22 hours a day. For minor cosmetic issues affecting only the front teeth, cosmetic bonding or veneers offer options. Bonding is quicker and cheaper but does not fix the underlying alignment. Veneers can transform a smile but require removing a small amount of healthy tooth enamel. We will discuss all suitable options during your Finchley consultation.

To make a well informed choice, ask the right questions whether you visit our practice or another in Finchley. Inquire about the total cost and whether retainers are included. Ask about expected treatment time and what happens if it takes longer than expected. Also ask about their experience with different types of adult braces and to see before and after photos of similar cases they have treated. Finally, ask about payment plans and which insurance providers such as Denplan or Cigna they accept to help manage the cost.

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontic treatment, which is rarely available for adults unless there is a clear clinical need. The cost of adult braces varies by type. At our practice, Invisalign treatment starts from £3,300 for Invisalign Lite and £4,400 for Invisalign Full. This price covers all your aligners, appointments, and final Vivera retainers (worth £500). There are no hidden fees. We accept dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of your treatment cost. A recent patient from Golders Green used their Cigna plan toward Invisalign Full, making the process more affordable. We can provide a detailed cost breakdown during your initial consultation.