– Orthodontic questions, answered

No. You can book directly with us, with no referral needed. If your dentist has referred you, bring along any notes or x-rays they gave you.

The easiest way is to book online. You can also email us at hello@milkorthodontics.co.nz or call (09) 520 1880, and our team will help you find a time that suits.

Around 45 minutes. We carry out a clinical examination, take photos and any x-rays needed, then talk through your options and give you a clear plan and quote.

Every orthodontist first qualifies as a dentist, then completes around three more years of university training focused only on aligning teeth and jaws, plus thousands of hours of clinical practice. A general dentist looks after your overall oral health, while a specialist orthodontist plans and carries out tooth movement every day. Many of our patients are referred to us by their own dentist.

Every case is different, so we quote individually after a specialist assessment. As a guide, simple and cosmetic treatment starts from around $4,500 and comprehensive treatment from $9,900. See our pricing page for the full breakdown.

We offer a free Smile Assessment to get started, and a full diagnostic work-up, with records and a written treatment plan, is $390. All the details are on our pricing page.

Yes. We offer interest-free payment plans for braces and clear aligner treatments, so you can spread the cost over time. The current terms are on our pricing page.

Two main options. Classic braces are traditional metal braces, the most robust and affordable choice. Clear braces use LightForce, custom 3D-printed braces that blend in for a discreet look. More on our braces page.

Most full treatments take around 18 to 24 months, depending on your case. Teeth need time to move safely through bone, so be wary of at-home products or non-specialists promising very fast results, as rushing treatment can cause lasting harm.

Having braces fitted does not hurt. Teeth can feel tender for a few days after fitting and after each adjustment, which soft food and ordinary pain relief settle quickly.

Usually every 6 to 10 weeks, for a short appointment to adjust your braces and keep your teeth moving as planned.

Not always. We take a full set of records and x-rays to see whether there is enough room, and we only recommend extractions when they are truly needed. If they are, we will explain exactly why.

X-rays let us check the position and roots of your teeth, the supporting bone, and anything hidden such as missing or extra teeth. Modern orthodontic x-rays use very low levels of radiation.

Get in touch and we will arrange to repair it. A loose bracket left too long can let teeth drift and lengthen your treatment.

Yes. Because bracket and wire systems are not universal, transferring usually means removing the existing braces and fitting ours so we can move your teeth safely and efficiently. We will talk you through it at your first visit.

We treat with clear aligners using the Clarity and Angel Aligners systems, chosen by our specialist to suit your case. We have also treated patients with Invisalign in the past. See our clear aligners page for more.

It depends on your case. Aligners suit milder cases and offer discretion and removability, while braces are more versatile for complex movements. As a specialist we recommend the right option for your teeth, weighing up braces and aligners with you.

From around age seven. By then a few adult teeth are through, so we can spot anything that needs guiding while there is plenty of growth to work with. Most children need no treatment yet. More on our children's orthodontics page.

Signs include a crossbite, front teeth that stick out, baby teeth that will not fall out on their own, missing teeth, or habits like thumb sucking. If you notice any of these, book a check and we will advise.

Usually not. Most children only ever need one round of treatment. A short early phase followed by a later one is the exception, used only when it clearly helps.

It is never too late. Teeth can be moved safely at almost any age, and discreet options like clear braces and clear aligners make adult treatment easy to fit around daily life.

A retainer holds your teeth in their new position after treatment. There are fixed retainers, a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth, and removable retainers worn at night. Teeth naturally try to drift, so retainers protect your result. More on our retainers page.

Yes. We make replacement retainers for everyone, including people treated elsewhere. Book a short appointment, we take a quick scan, and we make you a new one. See our retainers page.

We recommend an electric toothbrush, as it cleans more effectively around braces and between teeth.

A specialist-led approach, an award-winning clinic, and modern orthodontic technology, all delivered by a team focused on a calm, friendly experience. The practice is founded and led by specialist orthodontist Dr Shahrzad MacAvoy.

Your treatment is always led by a registered specialist orthodontist, supported by a skilled and friendly team. Meet everyone on our team page.