Your first visit
What to expect when you come in
Unlike visiting a Dentist most people look forward to visiting their Orthodontist. The first appointment will probably be more straight forward than you are expecting.
The appointment itself
30-45 minutes, start to finish
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Examination
Catherine looks at your teeth and bite
She examines how your teeth sit, how they meet when you bite, and how your jaws relate to each other. She will ask about your medical and dental history, whether anything bothers you, and what you are hoping to change. Nothing here is uncomfortable.
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Photographs, imaging and a digital scan
Photographs of your teeth and face, and the imaging needed to see the roots and any teeth still to come through. A handheld scanner then builds a three dimensional model of your mouth in a few minutes. There are no impression trays and nothing to gag on, which is the part most people are dreading and the part that has changed most.
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Discussion
Catherine shows you what she has found.
You see your own scan on screen and she talks you through what is happening, what the options are, roughly how long each would take and what each would cost. That includes the option of waiting, or of doing nothing, if that is the honest answer. Ask everything you want to here. This is what the appointment is for.
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Proposal & Quote
You leave with an estimated treatment cost and a clear idea of what is involved. Nothing starts on the day and there is no pressure to commit. Take it away, think about it, talk it over, get another opinion if you want one.
What to bring to your orthodontist appointment
If you have none of it, come anyway. We can request records from your dentist afterwards.
Useful if you have it
Any referral letter from your dentist
Recent x-rays, or the name of the practice that took them
A list of any medications and allergies
Your health insurance details, if you intend to claim
Any questions you have written down, which is more useful than it sounds
Not needed
A referral. You can book directly
Anything from a previous orthodontist, though bring it if you have it
Payment on the day beyond the consultation fee
A decision. Nobody will ask you to commit at the first visit
If you or your child are nervous
A good number of the children we see arrive worried, often after a difficult experience somewhere else.
The first appointment involves nothing invasive. Catherine looks, takes photographs and a scan, and then talks. For a child who has had a bad time at a dental practice before, discovering that an orthodontic appointment involves no needle and no drill usually settles the whole thing within a few minutes.
If your child is anxious, say so when you book rather than on the day. We will allow more time, explain each step before it happens, and let them look at the equipment first if that helps. Nobody is rushed and nothing happens without warning.
The same applies to adults. Plenty of people come in having avoided dentistry for years, and nobody here will make anything of it.
Dr Catherine Porter
Catherine is a specialist orthodontist and Vice President of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, with twenty-two years of fitting braces for Auckland children, teens and adults.
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"Catherine Porter is amazing. I had braces from her when I was younger, she fixed my teeth and I always get compliments on them! I’ve been going back for checkups and she’s always so lovely and understanding. I highly recommend her and her practice!"
ERIN
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"Catherine Porter did a great job for my 14 years old son....just a few weeks ago took the braces off and now we can see his very beautiful teeth and smile. Many thanks Catherine and her lovely team."
NAIEREH
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"Best orthodontist in the town, Dr Catherine and her team are caring and professional. I am very happy with the result!"
JOYCE
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"Outstanding. Had a very nervous 11 year old with complex dental needs. Having had a difficult experience at another orthadontist, Catherine's approach was amazing. My daughter had her braces fixed with no dramas! Highly recommend."
EMMA
Practical details for your first appointment
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First floor, 8 St Vincent Avenue,
Remuera, Auckland 1050 -
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Monday 9 – 5
Tuesday 9 – 5
Wednesday 9 – 1
Thursday 9 – 5
Friday 9 – 3
Weekend Closed
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On site, off St Vincent Avenue
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Not required
Practice details
