Affordable Children's Orthodontics in Finchley

The British Orthodontic Society suggests that children can be assessed for braces from the age of seven. While treatment often begins between the ages of 11 and 13, an early assessment allows us to identify and plan for developing issues. You should consider an orthodontic consultation if you notice signs such as crowded or overlapping teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, early or late loss of baby teeth, or jaws that seem out of proportion to the rest of the face. Many children in Finchley start their orthodontic journey with us to guide jaw growth, lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth, and improve their overall oral health. An early check-up provides peace of mind and allows for intervention at the optimal time.

First, you'll have an initial 45 minute consultation, where we take digital photos and X-rays to assess your child's teeth and jaw structure. Next, if treatment is needed, we'll create a personalised plan. This could involve fixed metal braces, which are the most common option. The fitting appointment takes about 60-90 minutes. Then, your child will attend adjustment appointments every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress. The total treatment time typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Finally, after the braces are removed, your child will be fitted with a custom retainer to ensure the teeth stay in their new, straight position. A recent patient, a 13-year-old from North Finchley with severe crowding, completed her treatment in 18 months and now has a perfectly aligned smile.

Immediately after braces are fitted, it's normal for your child to experience some mild discomfort or tenderness for 3-5 days. This can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers suitable for their age. We recommend a soft food diet for the first week, including things like soup, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes. Long-term care is vital. Your child must wear their retainer as instructed—usually every night—to prevent teeth from shifting back. Proper cleaning is also essential; we will demonstrate the best techniques for brushing and flossing around fixed retainers or cleaning removable ones. It's important to contact us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if a wire breaks or a bracket comes loose. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111.

While traditional fixed metal braces are highly effective and often the most affordable choice, other options are available. For older teens concerned about appearance, clear aligners like Invisalign Lite (from £3,300) can be a suitable alternative for less complex cases. These are removable and nearly invisible but require strict compliance to be effective. Another option can sometimes be functional appliances, which are removable braces used to correct bite problems by influencing jaw growth. However, for most children requiring comprehensive correction, fixed braces offer the most reliable and efficient results. During your consultation, we will discuss all appropriate options, comparing the pros, cons, and costs to help you make the best decision for your child.

To ensure you choose what's right for your child, it's important to ask key questions, whether you're consulting with us or another practice in Finchley. Ask about the total cost of the treatment and what it includes—are retainers and follow-up appointments covered? Enquire about the expected treatment duration and what factors might change it. It's also wise to ask about their experience with cases similar to your child's and what the process is for handling emergencies, like a broken wire. Finally, ask about payment options and if they accept any dental insurance you may have, such as Denplan or Cigna. A 14-year-old patient from East Finchley recently chose us after feeling confident with our clear answers to all these questions, and his parents appreciated our transparent payment plan.

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS-funded orthodontics. NHS treatment is available for children under 18 with a clear clinical need, but waiting lists can be long. Our private treatment offers prompt and comprehensive care. The cost for children's fixed braces at our Finchley practice is competitive and reflects the quality of materials and personalised attention your child will receive. We provide a detailed quote with no hidden fees after the initial consultation. The price includes all appointments, the braces themselves, and the first set of retainers. We accept various private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which can help cover a portion of the cost. We can discuss your coverage and provide the necessary documentation to help you with your claim.