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Straight Talk for Healthy Teeth

Straight teeth and a healthy smile may impact on self-esteem, attitude and confidence of children (and adults too). This is especially important when children are developing social and psychological maturity in the teenage years.  It is very common for a child with crooked teeth to avoid smiling or to cover their mouth when smiling.

It’s Not Just for Looks

There is a surprising amount of evidence that would suggest that kids are frequently teased and bullied when there are obvious crowding or spacing issues with the teeth. This can make a child less outgoing and less engaging in social situations due to the idea that other people may be judging them based on their teeth, having a huge negative impact on their self esteem and confidence. This an excellent reason to consider braces.

Teeth function best when the oral hygiene is good and when they are in the correct position. There is not a great deal of scientific evidence available to say that crooked teeth are bad. However, it is believed that teeth in the incorrect position can cause significant teeth wear, gum problems and sometimes, the bite shifting, which can contribute towards unfavourable jaw growth or an asymmetry in a child’s jaws.

Benefits of Braces

1. Better Dental Health

Braces straighten misaligned teeth, which makes brushing and flossing easier. This helps reduce plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Teeth that are crowded or crooked are harder to clean well, so alignment improves long-term oral hygiene. 

2. Improved Chewing & Function

Correcting bite issues (like overbite, underbite, crossbite) helps kids chew food properly, which supports digestion and overall nutrition. Teeth that meet well put less strain on jaws and chewing muscles. 

3. Better Speech Development

Teeth and jaws affect how sounds are made. Braces can help align structures so that kids can pronounce words more clearly and develop confident speech.

4. Boosted Confidence & Self-Esteem

Kids often feel self-conscious about crooked or prominent teeth. A straighter smile can increase confidence socially and in school. 

5. Preventing Future Problems

Early or well-timed treatment can stop issues from getting worse, potentially reducing the need for more complex treatments (or tooth extractions) later in life. Addressing bite and alignment early helps intercept problems before they develop fully. 

6. Reduced Risk of Injury

Teeth that stick out (especially front teeth) are more likely to be chipped or broken during play or sports. Proper alignment lowers that risk. 

7. Guides Jaw & Facial Development

In kids whose jaws are still growing, braces or early orthodontic devices can help guide jaw growth and ensure teeth have space to come in correctly — improving function and facial balance. 

When Should Kids Be Seen?

Most orthodontic specialists recommend a first check-up by age 7 so they can spot developing issues early. This doesn’t always mean braces start then, but it helps orthodontists decide the right timing for treatment.

Things to look out for include:

  • Thumb sucking
  • Snoring and teeth grinding
  • Finger nail biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Crossbites
  • Buck teeth and teeth that stick out
  • Deep bites and overbites
  • Open bites
  • Space loss or crowding
  • Abnormal eruption of teeth
  • Underbite

Some of these problems can have significant consequences, so if you notice an issue or suspect a problem, please be dilligent and take your child to see a specialist orthodontist for a consultation.

Start Today!

At Shakespeare Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect orthodontic solution. Our experienced team stays current with the latest advancements in all types of braces Auckland patients can choose from, ensuring you receive cutting-edge care regardless of which option you select.

Book your comprehensive consultation today to discover which treatment option is right for you. We’ll answer all your questions, show you examples of results we’ve achieved with each system, and create a personalized treatment plan designed around your unique smile goals.

Contact Shakespeare Orthodontics
Ready to explore your options? Whether you’re interested in traditional metal braces, discreet ceramic braces, or innovative Invisalign treatment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your consultation online or call us today to begin your journey to a confident, beautiful smile.

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10 Signs You’ve Found the Best Orthodontist in Auckland

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.

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Orthodontist Adriana Perez

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.

Waiheke Island

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.

 
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Mo holding a large snapper