We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options for children and adults, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, removable plates and functional appliances. All treatment is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. At the initial appointment Kirsty or Andrew 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.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used world-wide. They are made of high-grade 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.
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 is an almost completely invisible alternative to braces. A series of clear, removable and comfortable aligners (think incredibly thin mouth-guards) are used to straighten your teeth. As Invisalign 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 Invisalign we often have intervals of 8-12 weeks between appointments, which is longer than with braces, and so Invisalign is great for patients who can only attend appointments infrequently, e.g. University students. However, Invisalign is not suitable for every patient, a consultation with Kirsty or Andrew will determine if Invisalign is right for you.
Please visit the Invisalign website to learn more https://www.invisalign.com/
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 are mainly used for younger patients before all of the adult teeth have erupted, to correct problems with individual teeth.
Functional appliances, such as a ‘twin block’, can be used to correct moderate to severe bite problems in growing patients.
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 surgical orthodontics, Kirsty or Andrew will discuss the procedure with you, answer questions and refer you for a consultation and assessment with the surgeon who would carry out the operation.