Book Your Metal Braces Appointment in North London

Book an appointment to discuss metal braces if you’re unhappy with your teeth alignment or have functional problems. This treatment is highly effective for correcting overcrowding, where teeth are crooked or overlap, or noticeable gaps between teeth. It’s the gold standard for fixing bite problems, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can cause jaw pain and uneven tooth wear. A teenager from Barnet came to us with severe lower arch crowding; after 18 months of treatment, the smile is perfectly straight and functional. Many adults in North London choose metal braces for reliable results, especially for complex cases that clear aligners do not fix efficiently.

The process for getting metal braces is straightforward and methodical. It begins with an initial 60-minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we take digital images and discuss your goals. If you decide to proceed, the brace fitting appointment usually lasts 60-90 minutes. During this visit, we bond the metal brackets to your teeth and connect them with an archwire. After this, you’ll return for adjustment appointments every 6-8 weeks. These shorter visits, lasting 20-30 minutes, let us tighten the wires and monitor your progress. The total treatment time typically ranges from 18 to 24 months. Once your teeth are aligned, we schedule a debonding appointment to remove the braces and fit a retainer to maintain your new smile.

After the braces are fitted, you may feel mild discomfort for the first 3-5 days as your teeth settle. Use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to manage this. You’ll need to adjust your diet to avoid very hard, chewy, or sticky foods to protect the brackets. Oral hygiene is essential; use interdental brushes to clean around the brackets and wires. A patient from Muswell Hill found that a water flosser helped keep gums healthy during a 22-month treatment. If a bracket loosens or a wire pokes you, contact us. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out-of-hours emergencies, call 111 for advice.

While metal braces are very effective, they are not the only option. The most popular alternative is Invisalign, which uses a series of clear, removable aligners to move your teeth. Invisalign is nearly invisible and lets you eat what you want, but it requires strict discipline to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day and may not be suitable for very complex bite corrections. For minor corrections on front teeth, cosmetic options like composite bonding or veneers could be considered, though these camouflage the issue rather than fixing the underlying alignment. During your consultation, we’ll give you an honest assessment of which treatment will provide the best long-term results for your dental needs and lifestyle.

To choose what’s right for you, ask key questions whether you meet with us or another practice in North London. Request the total, all-inclusive cost of the treatment, including the consultation, fitting, adjustments, and retainers. Inquire about the estimated treatment time for your case and what happens if a bracket breaks outside of office hours. It’s also wise to ask which retainers are included at the end of treatment and how long you’ll need to wear them to keep teeth from shifting back. Finally, check whether private dental plans like Denplan or Cigna are accepted if you have coverage.

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS orthodontic treatment. The cost of private metal braces varies with the complexity and length of your treatment. We provide a detailed, all-inclusive quote after your initial orthodontic consultation, with no hidden fees. This quote covers everything from the initial fitting to the final retainers. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of your orthodontic treatment. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can help you understand your coverage.