Adult Braces for Barnet Patients | Book Your Consultation

Deciding to get braces as an adult is a common choice for both health and cosmetic reasons. You're a good candidate if you experience issues like crowded or crooked teeth that are difficult to clean, which can increase your risk of gum disease. You might also consider treatment if you have bite problems such as an overbite or underbite causing jaw pain or uneven tooth wear. Many of our adult patients from Barnet simply want to improve the appearance of their smile for personal or professional confidence. For example, a 45-year-old client from Barnet sought Invisalign with us before his daughter's wedding and completed his treatment in just 14 months, feeling more confident for the family photos.

Your treatment process is designed to be clear and straightforward. First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we use a 3D CBCT scanner to create a precise digital model of your teeth and plan your treatment. For Invisalign, this allows you to see a simulation of your final result. Next, your custom aligners are created. You'll wear each set for 1-2 weeks, for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat and clean your teeth. You'll visit us for a quick check-up every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress. The entire process for Invisalign Full typically takes 12-18 months. Finally, after your teeth are straight, you'll be fitted with Vivera retainers to wear at night, which is essential to maintain your new smile long-term.

When you first get your braces or start a new aligner, it's normal to feel some mild pressure or discomfort for the first 2-3 days as your teeth begin to move. This is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. You should stick to softer foods initially. Your long-term aftercare is simple but important: maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing after meals and cleaning your aligners. The most vital part of aftercare is lifelong retainer wear (usually just at night) to prevent your teeth from shifting back. Call our practice immediately during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe pain, a broken wire on fixed braces, or lose your aligners. For out-of-hours emergencies, please call 111.

While braces are the gold standard for straightening teeth, other options may be suitable depending on your goals. For minor imperfections like small gaps or chips on front teeth, cosmetic bonding or dental veneers can provide a much faster aesthetic result, often in just 1-2 appointments. However, these treatments don't correct underlying bite issues and are not a substitute for orthodontic alignment. Another alternative is different types of braces, such as fixed ceramic braces, which are tooth-coloured and less noticeable than traditional metal ones. During your consultation, we'll discuss which option best fits your clinical needs, lifestyle, and budget.

To make an informed choice, it's a good idea to ask some key questions, whether you consult with us or another practice in the Barnet area. Ask for a full breakdown of the cost—does the price include all appointments, refinements (mid-course corrections), and your first set of retainers? You should also ask about the realistic treatment timeline for your specific case and what happens if it takes longer than expected. It's wise to inquire about their experience with adult orthodontics specifically. Finally, ask what type of retainers are included and what the long-term plan is to protect your investment.

We believe in transparent pricing for our patients from Barnet and across North London. Our adult brace treatments include: * **Invisalign Lite:** £3,300 (for simpler cases) * **Invisalign Full:** £4,400 (for more comprehensive treatment) * **Vivera Retainers (3 sets):** £500 (essential after treatment) This price includes your 3D digital scan, all aligners, and every follow-up appointment. There are no hidden fees. A recent patient, a 28-year-old from Whetstone, chose Invisalign Full to correct crowding from childhood orthodontic relapse. The total cost was £4,400, which she felt was a worthwhile investment. We are a private-only practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics, but we do accept patients with private dental insurance from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna.