Hair, eyes and a smile…the first things we notice about people. If it is a job interview, a first date or just you looking in the mirror, teeth are one of our most important assets, and orthodontics has much to offer to get you that perfect smile!
Adult patients frequently present with either a functional problem (where there is an issue with teeth alignment, a bad bite, jaw problems or worn teeth), or an aesthetic problem (generally not happy with the appearance of their teeth), or both.
Orthodontic treatment can certainly be used to improve both of these general concerns and can involve the use of clear aligner systems (such as Invisalign) or ceramic braces. We are seeing more and more adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. No longer is orthodontics thought of as a treatment for young patients only. However, there are differences between our adult and adolescent orthodontic patients:
– Similar to bone healing and the healing of skin cuts, movement of teeth is rapid in the adolescent group of patients when compared to the adult group.
– Adult patients usually have had more experiences with dentistry (their teeth have been in the mouth for longer) which means that there are generally more fillings, caps, veneers or implants.
– Adults usually have more complicated health problems and medical issues that can significantly affect orthodontic treatment time, jaw function and can affect their tooth movement. e.g. diabetes, asthma, gastric reflux, osteoporosis, chronic muscle or back pain, migraines, anxiety etc.
– Generally, adults present with varying levels of gum disease. Specialist orthodontists are highly trained in ensuring that active gum disease is not missed, and will often provide you with a necessary referral to see a hygienist, dentist or specialist periodontist whenever necessary. Only when there is an absence of gingivitis and periodontitis can orthodontic treatment (using braces or Invisalign) be carried out safely and predictably.
– As the teeth have been in the mouth for longer, there tends to be more wear and tear on them. This generally means that you should be treated by a specialist orthodontist who has had comprehensive extra training in dealing with such cases. Trust the experts!
At Shakespeare Orthodontics, our locally-trained and expert specialist orthodontists (Mo, Azza and Adriana) carry out a comprehensive examination and diagnosis – so you get the combination of best dental knowledge as well as the latest in technological advances to get you the smile you want.
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.
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.
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.
