Aesthetic Braces Appointments for Barnet Patients

Aesthetic braces suit crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth if you feel self conscious about metal braces. They provide a fixed appliance with precise control over tooth movement with a subtler appearance. Many Barnet patients are professionals who want a straight smile without being obvious during meetings. This treatment also suits if you do not want to remove aligners, since fixed braces work continuously to align your smile.

Your treatment begins with a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. We take digital scans and photos of your teeth. Then we craft your personalised treatment plan. The fitting appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, bonding clear or tooth coloured ceramic brackets and placing the wire. You will visit every 6-8 weeks for adjustments, quick 20-30 minute appointments to tighten the wires and monitor progress. Most aesthetic brace cases finish in 18-24 months. For example, a Barnet patient with moderate crowding completed treatment in 20 months and achieved a straight smile.

For the first few days after fitting, expect mild discomfort as teeth begin to move. Use over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol. Stick to soft foods like soup, pasta, and yogurt for the first week. Lips and cheeks may feel irritated as they adjust to the brackets; dental wax helps. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing around brackets and using interdental brushes. After removal, wear a retainer at night to keep teeth in their new position long term. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if a bracket breaks, a loose wire pokes your cheek, or signs of infection. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

In addition to aesthetic ceramic braces, there are other options. Invisalign Clear Aligners are removable trays that straighten teeth and can be taken out to eat and clean. They require wearing about 22 hours a day. Our Invisalign Full treatment costs £4,400. Traditional metal braces are effective and often cheaper, but their metal look is a drawback for many adults. Dental veneers can fix minor gaps or slightly crooked front teeth instantly; this does not move teeth but masks imperfections. It is faster but less comprehensive. During your consultation we will discuss which option fits clinical needs, lifestyle, and budget.

The cost of aesthetic braces depends on the complexity and length of the treatment. As a guide, private orthodontic treatments start near the Invisalign price, which is £3,300 for a lite case. We provide a detailed, all inclusive quote after the initial consultation so there are no hidden fees. The quote covers the fitting, all adjustment visits, and final retainers. We are a private only practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We accept private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please check with your insurer about the level of orthodontic cover included in your policy.

To make an informed choice about orthodontic care, whether you consult with us or another practice in the Barnet area, ask these questions: - What is the total cost, and does it include retainers and all follow-up visits? - How long do you estimate the treatment will take? - What are the pros and cons of ceramic braces versus clear aligners for my case? - Do the ceramic brackets resist staining from coffee or red wine? - What is the procedure if a bracket breaks or a wire comes loose outside of office hours? - Can I see before and after photos of similar cases you have treated?