With 45+ years collective experience in their careers, Dr Mo Al-Dujaili, Dr Azza Al-Ani, and Dr Adriana Perez are highly qualified specialist orthodontists, and are fantastic at what they do.
When Should You See an Orthodontist? | Auckland Families’ Guide
At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we often hear the same question from Auckland parents, teens, and adults:
“When is the right time to see an orthodontist?” The answer depends on your age, symptoms, and goals — but one thing is clear: earlier is better, even if treatment isn’t needed straight away.
With four specialist clinics across Auckland, we help people of all ages understand their options and take the next step when the time is right.
Why Timing Matters in Orthodontics
Orthodontic issues like crowding, bite misalignment, and jaw growth problems often start long before they’re obvious. Early detection allows for:
1. Simpler treatment plans
2. Avoiding future complications
3. More treatment options — especially for growing children
Even if treatment isn’t needed yet, a screening can give you peace of mind and a timeline for action.
When Should Children See an Orthodontist?
The New Zealand Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic check-up around age 7.
At this stage, permanent teeth are starting to come in and jaw growth is underway. While most children won’t start treatment straight away, this early assessment helps us catch issues before they become harder to manage.
Common signs your child may need an early orthodontic check:
1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Crowded, protruding, or gappy teeth
3. Crossbite or underbite
4. Difficulty chewing or biting
5. Mouth breathing or thumb sucking
We offer honest, specialist-led assessments at all four of our Auckland clinics — no referral needed.
Teenagers: The Most Common Age for Treatment
Most orthodontic treatments for teenagers begin between ages 11 and 15, once the majority of adult teeth have erupted.
At this age, the jaw is still growing, making it easier to guide teeth into position with braces or Invisalign. Treatment is often more efficient and shorter in duration compared to adult cases.
Whether your teen needs traditional braces or wants the flexibility of Invisalign, our orthodontists will provide a customised plan — and help you choose the best timing based on growth, bite development, and maturity.
Adults: It’s Never Too Late for a Straighter Smile
Think orthodontics is just for kids and teens? Think again. We treat adults of all ages in Auckland who want to:
1. Fix bite issues affecting chewing, speech, or jaw comfort
2. Realign teeth that shifted after childhood treatment
3. Improve confidence in their smile
Invisalign is a popular choice for discreet treatment, but many adults still benefit from braces — especially in more complex cases.
Orthodontic treatment as an adult is highly effective, provided you have healthy teeth and gums. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to assess your suitability.
What Our Patients Have to Say
Meet our Team
Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in New Zealand and Australia, returning to Dunedin to gain his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics… Learn more
Dr. Azza Al-Ani
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. In 2009, Azza graduated with… Learn more
Dr. Adriana Perez
BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics Auckland… Learn more
Why Shakespeare Orthodontics?
1. Registered Specialist Orthodontists – Not general dentists
2. Advanced 3D Treatment Planning – See outcomes before treatment begins
3. Teen-Friendly Approach – Encouraging, respectful, and engaging
4. Focused on Long-Term Results – Retention plans included
5. Trusted Across Auckland – Thousands of smiles transformed
We’re here to support your teen every step of the way—from their first aligner to their confident new smile.
Not Sure If It’s Time?
You don’t need to wait for a dentist referral — or for things to get worse.
If you’re wondering whether you or your child need orthodontic treatment, we’d love to help you find out.
Book a consultation at your nearest Auckland clinic in Epsom, Howick, Takapuna, or Warkworth.
We’ll give you expert advice and a clear plan — even if treatment isn’t needed right now.
Dr. Adriana Perez
BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.
In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.
In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.
Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.
Dr. Azza Al-Ani
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore.
In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.
She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.
In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.
Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.
In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.
Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.
Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd
Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.
After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.
During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.
Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.
A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).
Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.
He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.
Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.
Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.
