Choosing an Orthodontist in Wellington: What You Need to Know

Braces Wellington: 5 things to consider before choosing an orthodontist

While many people are focused on how much braces cost, there are other factors you should consider before choosing an orthodontist. Everything from where they are located to the technology they use can impact your experience. Here are 5 things you should consider before choosing an orthodontist in Wellington. 

1. An orthodontist local to Wellington

On average, it can take between 18 months and two years for braces to work. During treatment, you’ll see your orthodontist dozens of times (sometimes as often as every ten weeks). 

Choosing a local Wellington orthodontist makes it easier to get to appointments throughout the day and reduces the amount of travel you’ll have to do. Gentle Dental are local. You’ll find our Gentle Braces team at our central Ghuznee Street practice.

2. An orthodontist that offers a wide range of braces

These days, braces come in a wide range of colours and styles. While many patients have the same long-term goal (a straighter smile) you might have a strong preference for the way your braces look during treatment. 

Look for a Wellington orthodontist that offers traditional braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners. This will give you the broadest range of choice. Plus, it means you won't have to find a new provider if your first preference doesn’t work with the demands of your bite. All of these options are available at Gentle Dental. 

3. An orthodontist that minimises tooth extractions 

Extracting healthy teeth to pull your bite into alignment used to be quite common. Orthodontists don't do this as often anymore because they have more tools and techniques at their disposal. Things like dental arch expanders, and even better wires, mean that modern braces can make space in the mouth for teeth to move into. 

While this doesn’t mean there’s no reason for an orthodontist to ever extract teeth–it shouldn't be the go-to solution for fixing your bite. At Gentle Dental, you’ll find we only remove teeth when it’s absolutely necessary.

4. An orthodontist that uses digital technology

Digital technology has made orthodontic treatments a lot more streamlined, comfortable and accurate. Before you get braces, ask your orthodontist about what types of digital tech they use in their practice. 

At Gentle Dental, we use intra oral scanners to capture a precise 3D image of your teeth. This is not only more accurate than using traditional moulds, it’s much more comfortable too. We also use CAD software to plan your treatment and can see just how your teeth will move into place. 

5. An orthodontist that’s actually an orthodontist

A dentist and an orthodontist are not the same thing. The skills needed to fit you with a pair of braces are highly specialised and treatment should be performed by a qualified orthodontist. 

Gentle Dental has specialist orthodontists as part of our team that are also members of the Australian Society of Orthodontists and are registered as Specialist Orthodontists with the New Zealand Dental Council.   

Book a consultation with Wellington our Gentle Braces team

Finding an orthodontist in Wellington doesn’t have to be difficult. At Gentle Dental, our Gentle Braces team are local and have the skills and tech to get you the best results. What’s more, we offer everything from traditional braces to Invisalign – giving you lots of choice. 

Book an appointment with our friendly team now.