In a world of fast-tracked smiles and standardised kits, one Auckland orthodontist is taking a markedly different approach—one that involves a meticulous toolkit of up to 28 different appliances. At Shakespeare Orthodontics, Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili and the team are building smiles not from templates, but from tailored strategies rooted in biology, biomechanics, and individualised care.
“There are 28 different appliances that you can use to create a certain movement,” Dr. Mo explained in a recent conversation. “When you have to bring the lower jaw forward, a tooth that is stuck in the roof of the mouth and fix rotation, why do you choose two or three out of the 28? Because in your 10+ years of training at university, you know it will work efficiently. You maximise your patient comfort… our patients want minimal complications and maximal efficiency… we do not want a headache.”
His comment, delivered with characteristic humour, underscores a serious clinical philosophy: orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Each appliance—whether a plate, a bracket, or a functional jaw corrector—serves a distinct purpose, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between lifelong results and orthodontic lasting success compared to years of frustration and wasted resources.
Custom Orthodontic Treatment Plans—Not One-Size-Fits-All Care
Dr. Mo is unequivocal in his criticism of what he calls “recipe-based” treatments. “They don’t tailor the treatment itself to the specific needs of that individual. It’s more of a recipe approach. And that’s a problem when it comes to biology,” he said. “We’re not all biologically identical or the same. We have different facial structures and everything about us is unique and individual. So, why would you expect one appliance to work for everybody?”
This rejection of uniformity stems from experience. Patients at Shakespeare Orthodontics undergo comprehensive diagnostics—including 3D imaging, facial growth analysis, and bite pattern assessments—to determine exactly which tools are necessary. The result is a treatment plan that is designed, not assigned.
“You cannot use stock standard off-the-shelf appliances,” Dr. Mo said. “You specifically customise and design these appliances to do what you need them to do, to move teeth with a clear objective, to get a nice smile!”
This level of customisation is part of what distinguishes high-quality orthodontic treatments. Where some might rely on standard protocols and prefabricated appliances, the specialists at Shakespeare Orthodontics take time to map out precise movements, stages of treatment, and appliance changes over the course of treatment. The commitment to tailoring care is not only about better clinical outcomes—it’s about reducing unnecessary interventions and patient fatigue.
What Happens When Orthodontic Treatment Goes Wrong?
Dr. Mo has seen first-hand what happens when treatments are mismatched to patient needs. Families often arrive at his clinic after years of ineffective or overly prolonged orthodontics elsewhere. These cases—what he calls “rescue cases”—are sobering.
“Quite often patients are burnt out,” he said. “They’ve spent two, three or four years in years in treatment already, and you tell them you need two more years of treatment to get the right result. The total treatment time is five, six years, sometimes eight years!”
Such extended timelines aren’t just exhausting, they’re expensive. Dr. Mo further explains that beyond picking the right tools to obtain the best orthodontic outcomes, understanding growth and development helps him respect the right timing to provide treatment.
He referenced a case where parents were very eager to begin braces treatment for their daughter. He had spent significant time in the consultation explaining to the family why it would be a great idea to wait for the right time. “When you look at the actual physiology, and you look at what the structures are actually doing, you begin to appreciate when the ideal timing would be for treatment to start… that means we’ve saved nine months of treatment time,” he summarises. For more on how early assessment helps avoid unnecessary treatment, see our guide to preventive orthodontic treatment for children.
Starting early with the wrong appliance can backfire. In some cases, early interventions may offer short-term changes but require full treatment later anyway. “If you start too early or with the wrong tool, you might end up providing unnecessary treatment and pay twice. And that’s not fair on families,” he explained.
These rescue cases also speak to the importance of initial diagnosis. Overlooked issues like impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, or asymmetrical development may not be detected in systems that rely heavily on generic appliances and limited imaging. Dr. Mo often sees cases where permanent teeth were left unmanaged for years, resulting in more invasive treatment later.
Orthodontic Appliance Options at Shakespeare Orthodontics
While some providers commit to a single system—such as aligners or palate expanders—Dr. Mo’s practice draws from a wide spectrum of functional and aesthetic appliances. Plates to redistribute space. Expanders to widen narrow arches. Space maintaining/gaining appliances, clear aligners, braces, elastics, retainers. The combination depends on the case, the patient’s age, their attitude and their biological response.
Crucially, Shakespeare Orthodontics doesn’t subscribe to brand incentives or volume targets. There is an open platform approach. This ethos puts patient outcomes above product loyalty. “Our job is not to sell products… our job is to get the best outcome for that patient alignment.”
Rather than treat appliances as interchangeable solutions, Dr. Mo views each one as a precision instrument. “Treatment efficiency means knowing when to use the right tool at the right stage,” he said. It’s not just about which appliance works, but when and in what sequence it should be introduced. The clinical choreography is as critical as the hardware itself.
Why Reputation Matters in Orthodontic Treatment
Underlying all of this is a concern for professional integrity. “At the end of the day, it’s our reputation, right?” he said. “People aren’t going to come back and say, ‘Oh, Mo, the plate didn’t work.’ They’re going to say, ‘You’re not a great orthodontist and you didn’t do your job properly.’”
That level of accountability, he believes, is what drives specialists to take the more complex, customised route. It’s also why families who have endured failed treatments elsewhere often end up at his clinic.
A poor result can lead to functional problems, social anxiety, and years of emotional strain. For Dr. Mo and his team, this reinforces why treatment must begin with a clear plan and a commitment to evidence-based methods.
Would You Like to Discuss Treatment Options?
For expert orthodontic advice, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with a specialist orthodontist at Shakespeare Orthodontics. We’ll find the best solution for your smile and your pocket.
Shakespeare Orthodontics: Shaping a Smile You Will Love
Four Auckland Locations: Takapuna (North Shore), Epsom, Warkworth, Howick
