Orthodontic
FAQs

Every orthodontist starts out as a dentist, but a Specialist Orthodontist has completed several years of further full-time university training focused purely on the alignment of teeth and jaws. It’s all they do. When you come to Auckland City Orthodontics, your treatment is planned and led by a registered Specialist Orthodontist - you can meet the team on our meet the doctors page.

No. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, which is why a good number of our patients are adults. What matters far more than your age is the health of your teeth and gums, and that’s exactly what we check at your first visit. If you’ve been thinking about it for years, it’s rarely too late to start.

Modern orthodontics is far gentler than many people expect. It’s normal for teeth to feel a little tender for a day or two after braces are fitted or when you move to a new set of aligners - that just means things are working. Everyday painkillers and soft foods handle it easily, and any tenderness settles quickly.

It really does depend on you - what you’re having treated, how far your teeth need to move and which option you choose. Some cases finish in a matter of months, while more involved ones take longer. Your orthodontist will give you a realistic timeframe at your consultation, once they’ve seen your teeth.

Most people come in every several weeks, though it varies with your treatment. Where it suits you, Dental Monitoring lets us keep an eye on your progress from scans you take at home on your phone - so you make fewer trips to the clinic and we only bring you in when there’s something worth seeing you for. It’s one of the ways we make treatment fit around busy Auckland lives.

Retainers protect the smile you’ve worked for. Teeth naturally like to drift over time - with age, growth and everyday use - so wearing your retainer as your orthodontist directs is what keeps your results looking their best for the long term. Think of it as the final, easy step that makes everything else worthwhile.

Absolutely - orthodontic treatment shouldn’t put your life on hold. For contact sport we’ll recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth and any braces, and if you play a wind or brass instrument you may need a short while to adjust, but most people settle in quickly. Just let us know what you’re into and we’ll help you keep at it.

True orthodontic emergencies are rare. If a bracket comes loose, a wire is poking or something just feels uncomfortable, get in touch and we’ll talk you through it - often it can wait until your next visit, and simple fixes like orthodontic wax help in the meantime. If you’re in real pain or have had an injury, call your nearest clinic and we’ll look after you.

Yes, please do. We look after the alignment of your teeth, but your dentist still looks after your overall dental health - so keep up your regular check-ups and cleans throughout treatment. Good oral hygiene and those routine visits are what keep your teeth healthy while your smile comes together.