Adult Teeth Straightening for Barnet Patients | Private Care

You might be a good candidate for adult teeth straightening if you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to crooked or crowded teeth. It's also a great option if you experience functional issues, such as difficulty cleaning between teeth which can lead to decay, or if you have an uneven bite causing premature wear. Many patients seek treatment because they didn't have braces as a teenager or their teeth have shifted over time. If you prioritise a discreet solution, modern clear aligners are designed for professional lifestyles, allowing you to straighten your teeth without the look of traditional metal braces. At our Finchley practice, we assess your specific needs to see if a system like Invisalign is right for you.

Your teeth straightening journey begins with a 60 minute consultation. We use a 3D digital scanner to build a precise model of your teeth, no impressions needed. With this scan we show you a simulation of your final result. Next, your custom aligners are made, which takes about three to four weeks. Then you return for a fitting where we check that the first set fits well and explain how to care for them. You wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day and switch to a new set every one to two weeks. We schedule short check ups every six to eight weeks to monitor progress. When your teeth stay in their new position, you receive Vivera retainers to keep the result long term.

When you begin wearing aligners you may feel mild discomfort or pressure for the first few days. This signals the treatment is working and can be managed with simple pain relief. Your speech might be a little off at first, but this usually settles within a day or two. For long term care, clean your aligners daily with a soft brush and lukewarm water. Retention is essential. After treatment you will wear Vivera retainers as advised, typically every night for life, to keep your teeth from moving back to their original positions.

In addition to Invisalign there are other choices. Fixed ceramic braces use tooth coloured brackets and wires, making them less noticeable than metal braces. They can work well for complex bite corrections but require careful cleaning around the brackets. Another option for minor issues is composite bonding, where a tooth coloured resin is applied to change shape and appearance, closing small gaps or adjusting minor rotations. It moves teeth less than braces and is not suitable for major alignment. We review all suitable options during your consultation.

We believe in clear pricing. Our adult teeth straightening options include: Invisalign Lite for simple cases at £3,300, Invisalign Full for more extensive treatment at £4,400, and Vivera retainers set at £500 to maintain results. These fees cover all appointments, digital scans, and the entire set of aligners. There are no hidden charges. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered, but we accept private dental insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Check with your insurer about orthodontic coverage.

To choose what works best for you, ask these questions whether you meet us or another practice near Barnet. Key points include the total treatment time based on your 3D scan, whether the quoted price includes all scans, retainers, and refinements, what happens if a tooth isn’t moving as planned, whether attachments are needed and where, the pros and cons compared to fixed braces for your case, and the expected life and cost of replacing Vivera retainers.