What to Expect During Your First Visit to an Auckland Orthodontist
Orthodontics

What to Expect During Your First Visit to an Auckland Orthodontist

By September 25, 2024 No Comments

Visiting an orthodontist for the first time can be a mix of excitement and nervousness. Many people in Auckland seek orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and oral health, but they often don’t know what to expect during their initial appointment. Understanding the process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare patients for a positive experience.

By providing insight into what happens during this crucial appointment, patients can feel more confident and informed as they begin their journey towards a healthier, more attractive smile.

Preparing for Your First Orthodontic Visit

Preparing for an initial visit to an Auckland orthodontist involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and productive appointment. By taking the time to gather necessary information and prepare questions, patients can make the most of their consultation.

Scheduling the appointment

Booking an appointment with an orthodontist in Auckland is straightforward and doesn’t require a referral. If there are concerns about teeth alignment or bite issues, individuals can directly contact an orthodontic practice to schedule an initial assessment.

Many orthodontists recommend bringing children for their first visit around the age of eight, but it’s never too late for adults to seek orthodontic care.

Gathering medical and dental history

Prior to the first visit, patients should collect their medical and dental history. This information has a significant impact on the orthodontic treatment plan. It’s helpful to bring along any recent panoramic X-rays taken by a dentist within the past six months. Patients are typically required to fill out a health history form, which includes details about current medications, allergies, and any existing medical conditions.

Preparing questions for the orthodontist

To get the most out of the initial consultation, it’s beneficial to prepare a list of questions for the orthodontist. Some important queries to consider include:

  1. What orthodontic conditions can be addressed in this specific case?
  2. How can orthodontic treatment enhance teeth, jaw, and facial profile?
  3. Is immediate treatment necessary, or should it be delayed until further growth occurs?
  4. What treatment procedures are recommended for the individual’s circumstances?
  5. Will any permanent teeth need to be removed?
  6. What is the estimated duration of the treatment?
  7. What is the expected cost of treatment, and what payment options are available?

By preparing these questions in advance, patients can ensure they leave the consultation with a clear understanding of their orthodontic needs and the proposed treatment plan. This preparation allows for a more informed decision-making process regarding orthodontic care in Auckland.

The Initial Consultation Process

The initial consultation with an Auckland orthodontist is a comprehensive process designed to assess the patient’s oral health and determine the most suitable treatment plan. This visit typically involves several key components that help the orthodontist gather essential information about the patient’s dental condition.

Meeting the orthodontist

Upon arrival at the clinic, patients are warmly welcomed by the orthodontic team (more about our orthodontists here). They are usually asked to complete a patient questionnaire, which provides crucial details about their dental history, current concerns, and specific oral health goals. This information helps the orthodontist understand the patient’s expectations and tailor the consultation accordingly.

The orthodontist then meets with the patient to discuss their motivations for seeking orthodontic treatment. This friendly conversation allows the patient to express any concerns they may have and ask questions about potential treatments. It’s an opportunity for the orthodontist to explain the process and address any anxieties the patient might be experiencing.

Comprehensive oral examination

Following the initial discussion, the orthodontist conducts a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth, jaws, and bite. This hands-on evaluation goes beyond a surface-level assessment, allowing the orthodontist to identify any orthodontic issues that could influence the treatment plan.

The examination typically includes:

  • An assessment of the skeletal pattern
  • Evaluation of soft tissues, including lips, cheeks, and tongue
  • Examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

This comprehensive approach helps the orthodontist understand the relationship between different parts of the face and skull, which is crucial for planning effective treatment.

X-rays and digital imaging

To gain a complete picture of the patient’s oral health, the orthodontist may use various diagnostic tools. These may include:

  • Panoramic X-rays: These provide a broad view of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and nasal area.
  • Cephalometric X-rays: These offer a side view of the face, showing the teeth in relation to the jaws.
  • 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scans: These create a detailed, three-dimensional image of the teeth, soft tissues, and bone structure.

These imaging techniques allow the orthodontist to see beneath the surface, revealing the positioning of tooth roots, bone health, and any underlying dental conditions. This detailed information is vital for creating a customised treatment plan that addresses both the functionality and aesthetics of the patient’s smile.

Treatment Options and Recommendations

Discussion of potential treatments

Auckland orthodontists offer a range of treatment options to address various dental concerns. These include traditional metal braces, which remain a popular and cost-effective choice for many patients. Metal braces are capable of performing complex tooth movements and have a proven track record of safety and predictability.

For those seeking a more discreet option, clear braces made from polycrystalline ceramic material are available. These braces blend in with natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. Some Auckland orthodontists use advanced technologies like LightForce braces, which are custom 3D printed to fit each tooth perfectly.

Another increasingly popular option is clear aligners, such as Invisalign. These transparent plastic trays are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. Clear aligners offer advantages such as improved comfort, convenience, and aesthetics compared to traditional braces.

Customised treatment plan

Each patient’s orthodontic journey is unique, and Auckland orthodontists create bespoke treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Factors considered in developing a customised plan include the patient’s age, the severity of orthodontic issues, dental anatomy, and any pre-existing conditions.

The process typically begins with an initial consultation, where the orthodontist examines the patient’s teeth, jaws, and overall oral health. Advanced imaging techniques, such as x-rays and digital scans, are used to assess tooth alignment and root positioning. Based on this information and the patient’s goals, the orthodontist develops a personalised treatment plan.

Cost estimates and payment options

The cost of orthodontic treatment in Auckland varies depending on the complexity of the case and the chosen treatment method. While specific prices may differ between practices, patients can expect to pay between $4,800 and $12,800 for a full course of treatment. Clear braces and Invisalign treatments typically range from $8,800 to $12,800.

Many Auckland orthodontists offer flexible payment options to make treatment more accessible. These may include upfront payment discounts, interest-free payment plans spread over the duration of treatment, or finance options through third-party providers. Some practices have developed specific payment plans, such as OrthoPlan, which requires a 30% upfront fee with the remaining cost spread over the course of treatment.

Conclusion

Visiting an orthodontist for the first time can be an enlightening experience, setting the stage for a healthier and more confident smile. By preparing adequately for the initial appointment, including gathering medical history and formulating key questions, patients in Auckland can maximise the benefits of their consultation.

Understanding the process—from the welcoming introduction to the comprehensive examination and discussion of tailored treatment options—demystifies what can be an anxiety-inducing experience.

With a range of treatment modalities available, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and advanced technologies, orthodontists can create personalised plans that cater to individual needs and preferences. Furthermore, the flexible payment options help make orthodontic care more accessible to everyone.

Embracing this journey not only improves oral health but also enhances self-esteem, paving the way for a bright, confident future. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, remember that the first step towards your best smile begins with that initial visit.

Shakespeare Orthodontics: Creating a Smile You Love​

4 Auckland Locations: Takapuna (North Shore), Epsom, Warkworth, Howick​

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Ph: 09 2166 888

 

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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.

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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