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Specialist Orthodontist For Children And Teenagers ONLY

REFERRAL NOT NECESSARY | SERVICING THE WELLINGTON REGION
Clinic Locations: Lower Hutt - Johnsonville - Paraparaumu

0800 843 678 | 04 586 5707

Specialist Orthodontist For Children And Teenagers
Clinic Locations: Lower Hutt | Johnsonville | Paraparaumu
FAQ

Information and FAQs


Find the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about orthodontics here. If you still have a question after checking out our FAQs, please contact us.

What is Orthodontics?


Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment teeth and jaw alignment problems. Orthodontics can improve a person’s self esteem as a bright smile with well aligned teeth always looks great. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bone shrinkage, and a misaligned bite can contribute to a range of issues including speech impairments, chipped teeth, and tooth loss.

Community Nurse Wellington,

What qualifications does an orthodontist have?


All orthodontists are dentists but only about 4% of dentists in NZ are qualified as specialist orthodontists. To become an orthodontist, a person must complete the 5 year dental undergraduate programme at a university dental school, then after a few years of clinical practice they apply to study a three year full time orthodontic specialist training programme, which leads to the MDS qualification (Masters of Dental Surgery restricted to orthodontics). Once they are qualified, they are included on the Dental Council of New Zealand as an orthodontic specialist. Continuing professional development by attending regular courses and conferences, allows them to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques.

Community Orthodontic Referral

When should your child or teen see an orthodontist?


At The Orthodontist, we only work with children and teenagers up to that age of 18. What age should your child be to come for a first visit to see us?  It is a common misconception that any form of orthodontic treatment should only begin once all of the adult teeth have emerged into the mouth, but it is recommended that the first visit should happen around the age of 6-7 (potentially earlier if the dental nurse has seen any problems). However any age up to 18 is welcome, and generally orthodontic treatment using braces is carried out between the ages of 11-16.

What are the benefits of early planning and treatment?


While you can can have your first visit with The Orthodontist at any age up to 18, an earlier visit and treatment (if needed) can have possible benefits including: reducing the risk of trauma to protruding teeth, preventing tooth wear or gum damage because of unusual teeth contact, creating room for adult teeth that have not yet emerged, potentially reducing or eliminating treatment time with braces, and eliminating thumb or finger sucking habits.
Wellington, Kapiti Referral

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?


No treatment is the same and therefore it is difficult to give an estimate.  Cost of treatment varies on the severity of the problem and treatment required. A full treatment cost schedule will be provided to you at a treatment plan discussion. 


What is the best way to start the process, and do I need a community dental nurse orthodontic referral?


If you'd like to bring your child or teenager to see us, please either fill in our Request a consultation form or give us a call. NO referral is needed. We will require you to complete a new patient registration and medical history form - these can be filled in online (we will send you a link) or at our practice.

What happens at the first visit?

Visit our Process page
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Do braces hurt?


It’s painless to have braces placed. Tooth discomfort usually occurs an hour after placement of the appliance. We recommend to take pain relief for a few days as achiness can last for a couple of days up to about a week depending on pain threshold. When braces are regularly adjusted this can make the teeth feel tender for a few days.

Is there a payment plan available?


Yes! When you receive a treatment letter and quote, you pay an initial deposit when treatment is started (e.g. the braces are fitted) and the balance is paid in monthly installments, interest free, as agreed. Find out about payment plans here.

Do I need teeth out?


No, we prefer to treat without the removal of teeth but after a physical exam and treatment discussion the Orthodontist will be able to give you the best advice moving forward with treatment.

How often do I see The Orthodontist during treatment?


It is common for us to see you every 4-10 weeks for an adjustment appointment. These adjustment appointments typically last for 10-15 minutes. If you need longer we will schedule this for you.
Wellington, Orthodontic Dental

Can I play sport with braces?


Yes, but we highly recommend wearing a remold-able mouth guard that is brought from a pharmacy or Rebel Sports.  The remold is recommended as your teeth will move during your treatment. Once treatment is finished then we can make you a custom made mouth guard.

Do I need to see my regular dentist during treatment?


Yes, it’s important you have a regular dental check up with your regular family dentist throughout orthodontic treatment so that your teeth can be checked for decay.
Community Orthodontic Wellington,

What can't I eat with braces?


Generally, hard, sticky foods should be avoided as they can break or damage wires and brackets. It’s also important to minimise sugary foods and drinks, because they can cause tooth decay.
AVOID: chewing gum, toffee, Minties, K-bars, Fruitbursts, hard biscuits (gingernuts), nuts, hard crusty bread/rolls, corn on the cob, apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces), popcorn.
Habits to AVOID: nail biting, chewing on pencils and foreign objects, chewing ice
Minimise sugary foods like: soft drinks, cordial, lollies, chocolate

Do I need to see The Orthodontist after the braces have come off?


Yes! We want to make sure you keep that lovely smile so you will have post treatment checkup appointments. You will need to play your part too by following all instructions especially if you have a removable retainer.

What do I need to know about wearing retainers?


Check out the info on the Treatment page for retainers

Questions about appointment scheduling, impression appointments, missed appointments or arriving late to appointments...


Please see our Contact page for all answers about appointments and do get in touch if you have any further questions. 

Questions and Initial Consultations


If you would like to make a first booking to see the Orthodontist, you must fill out the: Request a consultation form

If you would like to ask a general question, please use the: General enquiry form



Orthodontic Community Nurse
Wellington | Lower Hutt | Upper Hutt | Johnsonville | Paraparaumu | Kapiti Coast
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