Patient Information

Common Questions

What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialist area of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance, function and stability of the teeth along with the overall balance of the face. To be legally registered with the NZ Dental Council as an orthodontic specialist, a qualified general dentist must complete a minimum of three years post graduate study – on top of the five to become a general dentist! Getting the right Orthodontic treatment can improve your long-term dental health and physical health, and may also eliminate the need for more extensive dental work later in life. The ultimate goal of orthodontics is to provide you with an attractive, well-balanced smile and a more healthy dental life.

Can dentists deliver orthodontic services?
It is legal for general dentists to practice orthodontics, as long as they do not refer to themselves as an orthodontic specialist because they haven’t completed the required training to attain that title. Sometimes clients seek out the services of a dentist because they think specialist's fees will be higher than non-specialists, but this is not necessarily the case.

How can orthodontics benefit you?
Improper bites, caused by a combination of tooth and/or jaw misalignment, can affect the way you smile, chew and clean your teeth. Importantly it can also be a major contributor to how you feel about yourself and your self confidence. Getting the right Orthodontic treatment can improve your long-term dental health and physical health, and may also eliminate the need for more extensive dental work later in life. The ultimate goal of orthodontics is to provide you with an attractive, well-balanced smile and a more healthy dental life.

Do I need a referral to see an Othodontist?
Not at all. Your dentist may recommend you see an orthodontist or even provide a referral, but you are also most welcome to book an appointment directly for yourself or another family member. The first consultation is $65 for a child and $85 for an adult and can be arranged by calling 06-759 1053 between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm on Mondays, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday, and 9 am to 12:30 pm on Fridays.

Common questions - Total Orthodontics

Total Orthodontics

Common Problems

Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum because the jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth, or the teeth are just too big. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.

Upper front teeth protrude (overjet)
While the upper teeth appear to be the issue, it is more often the lower jaw and teeth that are set back that we need to focus our attention on. We always carefully consider where the problem exists so that we can plan the best form of correction.

Deep overbite
This is where the upper teeth are extending well over the lower teeth. Left untreated it can lead to crowding of the lower teeth as they have no space to move into as the jaw grows.

Crossbite
As crossbite is when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This can cause tooth wear, misaligned jaw growth and interfere with the eruption and alignment of other teeth.

Openbite
An openbite is where the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap at all and it is therefore not possible to achieve a scissoring bite action with the front teeth to chew food properly.

Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth and can cause uneven wear of the front teeth. It is often an inherited problem caused by the lower jaw outgrowing the upper jaw and with early input can be corrected and then monitored.

Missing teeth
Missing teeth is often a problem that runs through families and result from overcrowding. Missing teeth don’t always need to be replaced and orthodontic treatment can correct any of the alignment issues.

Spacing of teeth
Spacing problems may be caused by issues such as missing teeth, narrow teeth, or strong gum fibres.

Dental midlines not matched
Often due to crowding, missing teeth and/or rotations, the result is a mismatch of the upper and lower central teeth which may negatively impact the jaw and proper dental function.

Impacted teeth
Sometimes teeth just don’t erupt into the mouth in the way they should. This is often a result of crowding, early loss of baby teeth, and sometimes just an inherited issue. The good news is that impacted teeth can be corrected, and the benefits of early treatment are huge!

Thumb sucking and other habits
The habit of thumb and finger sucking can adversely affect the eruption and development of the front and nearby teeth and supporting bone. In general the longer the habit persists the more correction is needed through treatment.

What to Expect

At our place you’ll feel more like a guest, less like a patient

It’s natural to feel a little anxious on your first visit which is why one of our top priorities is to make you feel right at home. We’ll introduce ourselves, ask some questions, take some photos and if necessary, grab a quick x-ray. All of this information helps us to give you a close up look at where any problem areas may lie and explain some of the things we can do to improve the result. Our number one aim from this session is that you leave with a much better understanding of any areas that require specialist treatment and why the suggestions we’ve provided you with are the very best for you or your child. After your first visit we will send you out a treatment plan that lays out all the options, costs and risks involved. We also encourage you to come back in if you wish to discuss any further questions or concerns before making a decision.

Here’s a few of the most common questions we get about living with braces

How long will it take to get them fitted?
60 -75 minutes.

Will it be painful to get them fitted?
No, but it is common to feel some achiness for a few days afterwards.

What will happen after each adjustment?
It is likely to be sore for about 3-5 days each time the brace is adjusted. If necessary, mild painkillers, like the ones you would take for a headache, may help. If the brace rubs your lips or cheeks, you will be given some wax to help this.

Can I remove the brace?
The brace you will be wearing is fixed to the teeth for the whole of your treatment. You should not try to remove it as you may damage your teeth and the treatment will not work.

Can I eat normally?
The good news is Yes. The niggly bit is that there are a few things that we recommend you avoid or take extra care with to make sure your orthodontic treatment works well, and in the shortest possible time.
Here’s the don’t go there list
Toffees, boiled sweets, sugared chewing gum, chocolate bars etc Soft (fizzy) drinks including diet drinks and excessive amounts of fruit juice
Here’s the handle with care list
Hard foods which might damage the brace such as apples, carrots, crusty bread rolls etc. Make sure you cut them up first. Hard foods can be eaten with care if you cut them up first.

What about tooth brushing?
It’s really important that you brush your teeth well – three times per day using a fluoride toothpaste – when you have braces to avoid any permanent scarring of your teeth. Using a fluoride mouth rinse last thing at night is also recommended.

How long will treatment take?
It usually takes 12-24 months, but will vary according to how severe your case is. Failed and cancelled appointments or repeated breakages of the brace will add to the overall treatment time.

Will I need to wear anything in addition to the fixed brace?
At some stage during the treatment it may be necessary to wear headgear (at night) and/or elastics. Will I need to wear another brace once my treatment has finished? Yes it will be necessary to wear a retaining brace for varying lengths of time. This may be removable or fixed behind your front teeth.

How often will I need to come back for appointments?
You will need regular appointments (every 6-8 weeks) during the entire period of the treatment to allow your brace to be adjusted.

Do I need to see my regular dentist?
Yes. It is important you have regular check-ups with your regular dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.

What do I do if I play contact sports?
It is recommended that you wear a gum shield. This will also be the case if you enjoy riding a bicycle, roller skating or skateboarding.

What do I do if I play a musical instrument?
If you play a wind instrument, particularly the flute or a brass instrument, then a fixed brace may make it more difficult. You will need to discuss this with your music teacher.

What should I do if my brace breaks?
Please ring up for an appointment as soon as reasonably possible. Do not wait for your routine appointment as a breakage may slow your treatment or may result in damage to your teeth.