Children's Braces in Barnet: Expert Care for Your Child's Smile

Most parents start thinking about braces when their child is between 10 and 14, since most permanent teeth are in place. The British Orthodontic Society recommends an initial assessment around age 7 to spot developing issues. Consider booking a consultation at our Finchley practice if you notice crowded or crooked teeth, large gaps, a noticeable overbite or underbite, or trouble chewing. Early assessment lets us plan the best time to start treatment for reliable results. We welcome many families from Barnet for these checks.

The path to a straighter smile is clear. First, you have a 60 minute initial consultation where we take digital images and scans and talk about options. Next, at the fitting appointment, which lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, we bond the brackets and place the wires. Then you visit us from Barnet every 6 to 8 weeks for a 20 to 30 minute adjustment. Treatment usually lasts 18 to 24 months. After removing the braces, your child wears a custom retainer at night to hold the teeth in place.

A 13 year old from High Barnet came with significant overcrowding in the lower teeth. After a full assessment, we fitted traditional metal braces. The treatment lasted 20 months. His parents liked our evening appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays to fit around school, and the trip from Barnet was easy on the Northern Line to Finchley Central. He now has a straight smile and more confidence.

It is normal for your child to feel some discomfort for the first 3 to 5 days after fitting or adjustments. This can be managed with over the counter pain relief such as paracetamol. We suggest soft foods for the first week, like pasta, yoghurt, and soup. Good oral hygiene is important; your child will need extra time cleaning around the brackets and wires with interdental brushes. We provide a care kit and show the correct cleaning technique. A 14 year old from Whetstone recently finished treatment and found a water flosser helped keep her teeth and braces clean during the 22 month process.

While issues are rare, contact us during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if your child has severe pain, a bracket that has broken off, or a wire causing significant irritation to the cheek. For out of hours emergencies involving trauma or heavy bleeding, visit A&E or call 111.

Traditional metal braces are effective and common, but there are other options to consider for your child. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth coloured brackets to be less visible. They are popular with teens who worry about looks. Invisalign Teen is another option for some cases, using clear removable aligners. This suits older teens with simpler needs who will wear aligners about 22 hours a day. During your consultation we will discuss the pros and cons of each type based on your child's clinical needs and lifestyle.

Private orthodontic treatment for children in London typically ranges from 2,500 pounds for simple cases to over 5,000 for complex treatment with ceramic braces or Invisalign. At our practice we provide a fully inclusive quote with no hidden fees after the initial consultation. The price covers the fitting, all adjustments, emergency visits, and the first set of retainers. As a private only practice we do not offer NHS treatment, which lets us start without waiting lists. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the cost.

To help you choose, here are some important questions to ask any provider, whether it is us or another practice in the Barnet area: What are all the treatment options for my child? What is the estimated total treatment time? Is the quoted price all inclusive, including retainers and any emergency appointments? How do you handle appointments that fall during school hours? What is your procedure if a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose? What specific experience do you have with cases like my child's?