Experienced Fixed Braces for Barnet Patients

Fixed braces are often the best choice for more complex issues that need precise tooth movement. You are a good candidate if you have significant crowding, large gaps, or bite problems like a deep overbite or underbite. They suit patients who prefer not to manage aligners daily. Many adults in Barnet choose fixed braces for strong, predictable results, especially if previous orthodontic work has relapsed. The treatment is also standard for teenagers who need comprehensive correction to guide development.

Your treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice, where we take digital images and X rays to plan movements. The next appointment, about 60-90 minutes, is for fitting the braces. We bond small brackets to each tooth and connect them with a thin archwire. You then visit every 6-8 weeks for adjustments to tighten or change the wire and guide your teeth into alignment. This appointment is usually 20-30 minutes. Most patients complete treatment in 18-24 months. When your teeth are straight, we remove the braces and give you retainers to wear at night to keep your new smile for life.

For the first 3-5 days after your braces are fitted, you may feel mild tenderness as your teeth begin to move. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Stick to soft foods like soup, pasta, and yogurt during this period. Your lips and cheeks may feel irritated for a week, but we provide dental wax to smooth any bracket causing discomfort. Long-term care requires careful cleaning. Brush around each bracket and use interdental brushes to clean under the wires. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods to prevent breakages. If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes you, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) for advice or to book a repair.

While fixed braces work well for complex cases, other options exist. Invisalign clear aligners are a popular alternative for mild to moderate crowding and alignment issues. They are nearly invisible and removable, offering flexibility but require wearing them about 22 hours a day. They may not be suitable for correcting severe bite problems. For purely cosmetic adjustments on front teeth, cosmetic bonding or veneers could be an option, but they do not fix the underlying bite or alignment. During your consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of which treatment best fits your goals.

Private fixed brace treatment at our practice near Barnet typically starts from around £3,000. The final cost depends on the complexity of your case and the duration of treatment. This price includes all fitting appointments, adjustments, and the final removal of the braces. Your Vivera retainers at the end of treatment are a separate cost, starting from £500. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS orthodontics. However, we do accept patients with private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We provide detailed, transparent quotes with no hidden fees after your initial consultation.

To make an informed choice about your orthodontic care, whether with us or another practice in the Barnet area, be sure to ask these questions. What is the total estimated cost, including retainers and any emergency appointments? What type of fixed braces do you use (e.g., metal, ceramic)? How long do you expect my treatment to take? What are the specific risks or challenges for my case? How will you monitor the health of my teeth and gums during treatment? And finally, what retention plan do you recommend to ensure my teeth stay straight long-term?