For Dentists ›
Now welcoming patients at our new Albany clinic, opening August 2026. Register your interest ›
the process

– Your journey to a new smile,
step by step.

Every smile is planned individually by specialist orthodontist Dr Shaz MacAvoy. Most people begin with a free Smile Assessment, and if you already know you'd like to be treated at Milk, you can go straight to your diagnostic work-up. Here's exactly what to expect, so there are no surprises along the way.

where to start

Two ways to begin

Most people start with a free Smile Assessment. If you already know Milk is for you and you're ready to go ahead, you can skip straight to your diagnostic work-up.

Option 1

Start with a free Smile Assessment

Still weighing it up, or comparing options? Begin here.

  • A relaxed, no-obligation chat with our Treatment Coordinator
  • Talk through your goals, options, timing and cost
  • In clinic or on Zoom, with no referral needed
  • Decide in your own time, with no pressure
Book your free assessment
Option 2

Go straight to your diagnostic work-up

Already sure you'd like to be treated at Milk? Skip the assessment and get started.

  • A full set of specialist diagnostic records
  • Diagnosis by specialist orthodontist Dr Shaz MacAvoy
  • Your personalised treatment plan and exact quote in writing
  • $390, or $190 if you already have suitable recent records
Book your work-up
Been referred to us?

If you've been referred by your dentist or another clinician, we recommend going straight to the diagnostic work-up so we can get started without delay. You're welcome to begin with a free Smile Assessment first if you'd prefer.

step by step

The full journey, start to finish

However you begin, here's the path from your first visit to your finished smile. If you go straight to your work-up, you simply start at step two.

01

Free Smile Assessment

Free · about 20 minutes

In clinic or on Zoom, whichever suits. No referral needed, and no obligation at all. This first step is optional, if you already know Milk is for you, you can start at step two.

A friendly chat about your smileMeet Colleen, our Treatment Coordinator, talk through your goals, and get clear answers on options, timing and costs.
02

Diagnosis and your plan

Allow 45 minutes

Please arrive 10 minutes early. This is where your personalised plan takes shape, and it's where you begin if you go straight to your work-up. The work-up is $390, or $190 if you already have suitable recent records.

Welcome and questionnaireA short patient questionnaire covers your history and what matters to you.
RecordsPhotographs and a digital 3D scan of your teeth.
X-rays if neededLow-radiation x-rays, taken only when your diagnosis calls for them.
Specialist examination and your planDr Shaz MacAvoy examines you, explains what she sees, and discusses your options. You receive a personalised plan and an exact quote in writing.
03

Starting treatment

Allow 60 minutes

In some cases this can happen the same day as your diagnosis appointment.

Paperwork sortedConsent and treatment agreement, clearly explained with time for your questions.
Payment made easyYour deposit is paid and your interest-free payment plan is set up.
Impressions or 3D scanA mould or digital impression of your teeth, used to craft your appliance precisely.
Treatment beginsBraces go on, or your custom clear aligners are ordered.
Support from day oneFull care instructions for your braces or aligners, and a team that's a phone call away between every visit, through to the day your retainers keep your new smile for life.
who you'll see

Specialist-planned, team-delivered

It's how we keep appointments efficient, on time, and consistently excellent.

Dr Shaz plans and directs

Every diagnosis, treatment plan and key decision is made by our specialist orthodontist, who is on site directing your care at every visit.

Our clinical team delivers

DCNZ-registered orthodontic auxiliaries and our oral health therapist provide your chairside care to Dr Shaz's exact plan. Meet the team ›

Colleen keeps you on track

Growth guidance reviews for younger patients, recalls, and retainer checks, so nothing about your smile is ever left to chance.

kids & adolescents

Not quite ready yet? We'll watch and wait, together

If your child isn't ready for treatment, we don't rush them. They join our growth guidance reviews with Colleen, so we can start at exactly the right moment, and you always know where things stand. Learn about early treatment ›

We found the process to be straightforward and well organised from the outset. Our appointments all ran to time, and it was great not to be kept waiting – the punctuality was notable, and much appreciated.

Tania · Kohimarama
before you visit

A few things that keep every visit running smoothly

How our treatment bays work, brushing before appointments, what happens if you're running late, and more. Read our clinic etiquette ›

start whenever you're ready

Start your smile journey today

Begin with a free, no-obligation Smile Assessment, or if you're ready to go ahead, come straight in for your diagnostic work-up. In clinic or on Zoom, no referral needed.

Book your Free Smile Assessment