Types of Treatment

We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options for children and adults, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, removable plates and functional appliances.

Treatments

All treatment is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. At the initial appointment Kirsty will provide advice on the best treatment, as well as potential alternative treatment options. Most patients with braces only need to be seen every 6–8 weeks and Invisalign patients often seen less frequently, every 8-12 weeks. Many of our patients come to see us from Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay, or even as far afield as Taupo and Gisborne.

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used world-wide. They are made of high-grade surgical stainless steel and are very comfortable and strong. They are smaller in size than ceramic braces and you can individualise your braces with a huge variety of coloured elastic ties. We use state-of- the-art precision milled braces which incorporate the latest braces technology to ensure the best possible results.

Ceramic Braces

People tend to choose ceramic braces for cosmetic reasons because they are made of clear materials and are less visible. They are however, more brittle and slightly larger than the metal braces and they are usually only used on the upper front teeth. Ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers or adults.

Invisalign / Aligners

Aligners are an almost completely invisible alternative to braces. A series of clear, removable and comfortable aligners (similar to incredibly thin mouth-guards) are used to straighten your teeth. As aligners are removable there are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. This also means you can clean your teeth as normal. With aligners we often have intervals of 6-10 weeks between appointments, which is great for patients who can only attend appointments infrequently. However, aligners are not suitable for every patient, a consultation with Kirsty will determine if they are an option for you.

Adult Orthodontics

Many adults have not had the opportunity for orthodontic treatment as teenagers and may be unhappy with the appearance of their teeth or may now be having problems with their bite. Our adult patients are excited to have the opportunity to undertake treatment and achieve a healthy bite and a lovely smile. There really is no age limit to achieve the benefits of orthodontics.

Removable Plates

Removable plates are mainly used for younger patients before all of the adult teeth have erupted, to correct problems with individual teeth.

Twin Block Functional Appliances

Functional appliances, such as a ‘twin block’, can be used to correct moderate to severe bite problems in growing patients.

Orthognathic Surgery

Only a small minority of patients need surgery. Orthognathic surgery is required for the treatment of jaw irregularities when a good bite cannot be achieved by orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery can improve chewing, speaking, and breathing and also improve facial appearance. It is usually carried out in the very late teenage years after jaw growth has finished.

Moving the jaw also moves the teeth, so braces are always needed in conjunction with jaw surgery

If you require orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery, Kirsty will discuss the procedure with you, answer questions and refer you for a consultation and assessment with the Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon who would carry out the operation.

Our experience has been a wonderful one with Kirsty and the team at Hawke's Bay Orthodontics. Emily our daughter has completed her braces treatment and has been thrilled with the outcome of her beautiful smile. No questions are ever unanswered and we have always had wonderful reassurance and support all the way through. We would most definitely always recommend Kirsty and her fabulous team as the BEST in Hawke's Bay!!

Mary‑Anne Walker‑Bain and Mike Bain

A few days have passed now, and I can’t stop flashing my new smile to everyone – where I once used to be so ashamed of my teeth! Thank you for giving my confidence a boost, it was definitely worth it. I only wish I had done it earlier in life.

Claire Smith

Both my daughters received full sets of braces through Kirsty and her team, and both had them on a little over a year and a half each. Kirsty is such a beautiful, caring person who made both my daughters feel at ease every time, never ever made them feel they weren’t important. Kirsty’s and her team of ladies are all wonderful and very professional & excellent at what they do. I highly recommend them.

Elisha Wykes

After having seen the end result of two of my children having braces, and witnessed the professional service and care that the boys received, I decided that I would give braces a go myself. Kirsty and her ‘ladies’ are an awesome team and I always enjoy my time there rather than dread it like the Dentist!

Debbie Morgan