Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics in Wellington
At Smile Studio, we provide comprehensive orthodontic and dentofacial orthopaedic care for children, teenagers, and adults. Our focus is not only on aligning teeth, but on achieving balanced bite function, healthy jaw relationships, and long-term aesthetic stability.
Every treatment plan is fully customised to the individual. We consider tooth position, bite function, facial growth, airway factors, and cosmetic goals to design the most appropriate and predictable treatment pathway.
Our orthodontic treatments
We offer a range of orthodontic approaches, selected based on clinical needs rather than a one-size-fits-all system.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces remain a highly effective and versatile orthodontic tool. They allow precise three-dimensional control of tooth movement and can be particularly useful in more complex bite or alignment cases.
However, they are not inherently “better” than other systems — they are simply one of several effective tools available. In many cases, braces may be used alone or as part of a combined (hybrid) treatment approach depending on the clinical objectives.
Clear aligner therapy
We provide clear aligner treatment using advanced, custom-designed aligner systems. Clear aligners can achieve highly accurate and aesthetic results when carefully planned and monitored.
In experienced hands, aligner therapy can be used for a wide range of cases, including:
Crowding and spacing
Bite correction in selected cases
Adult orthodontic treatment
Pre-restorative alignment for cosmetic dentistry
Modern orthodontics is increasingly treatment-planning driven rather than appliance-driven, meaning outcomes depend more on diagnosis, biomechanics, and clinical planning than on the appliance itself.
Hybrid orthodontic treatment
In some cases, the best results are achieved using a combination of techniques.
Hybrid approaches may include:
Sequential use of aligners and fixed braces
Braces for specific tooth movements followed by aligners for finishing
Aligners supported by targeted fixed attachments
Integration with restorative or cosmetic treatment planning
This flexible approach allows us to tailor treatment to the biological and aesthetic requirements of each case.
Early interceptive orthodontics (preventive care)
Early assessment allows us to identify developing orthodontic and growth-related issues before they become more complex.
Our interceptive approach may include:
Monitoring facial and jaw growth patterns
Guidance of erupting teeth
Space management in developing dentition
Early correction of crossbites and functional shifts
Expansion or development of dental arches where appropriate
The goal is to reduce future complexity and support more stable long-term outcomes.
Dentofacial orthopaedics: growth and jaw development
Dentofacial orthopaedics focuses on guiding jaw development and facial growth during childhood and adolescence.
We assess:
Jaw relationship and growth direction
Facial symmetry and proportions
Functional bite patterns
Airway and oral posture considerations
Treatment may involve:
Fixed functional appliances
Removable appliances
Growth guidance strategies
Expansion or arch development techniques
Timing and diagnosis are critical in this phase, and each case is carefully evaluated individually.
Airway and functional considerations
We also consider airway function and oral posture as part of our orthodontic assessment where relevant.
This may include:
Mouth breathing patterns
Tongue posture and resting position
Jaw development and airway space considerations
Functional bite relationships
Where appropriate, orthodontic treatment is integrated with broader multidisciplinary care.
Cosmetic orthodontic philosophy: Align, Bleach & Bond
For many adult patients, orthodontics forms part of a broader cosmetic sequence designed to optimise smile aesthetics in a minimally invasive way.
A commonly used concept is:
Align → Bleach → Bond
Align: Straighten and position teeth appropriately
Bleach: Brighten natural tooth colour
Bond: Refine shape, symmetry, and aesthetic details using composite bonding where required
This staged approach allows for highly aesthetic outcomes while preserving natural tooth structure wherever possible.
Individualised treatment planning
No two orthodontic cases are the same. At Smile Studio, every treatment plan is designed based on:
Clinical diagnosis and complexity
Facial aesthetics and smile design principles
Bite function and long-term stability
Patient goals and lifestyle considerations
Integration with restorative or cosmetic needs
Our focus is on selecting the most appropriate tools — whether aligners, braces, or a combination — to achieve the best possible outcome for each individual.
Who we treat
We welcome patients of all ages:
Children
Early assessment and interceptive care to guide healthy development.
Teenagers
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment during growth phases.
Adults
Discreet, flexible, and highly aesthetic orthodontic options tailored to individual goals.
Our philosophy
At Smile Studio, orthodontics is not appliance-led — it is diagnosis-led and outcome-led.
We use modern orthodontic systems, including clear aligners and fixed appliances, as tools within a broader treatment philosophy focused on:
Function
Aesthetics
Stability
Long-term oral health
Our goal is to create smiles that are not only well-aligned, but also harmonious, functional, and enduring.