FAQ's

Invisalign

At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we endeavour to provide you will all the facts to dismiss the myths and help you make an informed decision. Our Dental Team will discuss the clinical explanations and the benefits of your personalised treatment plan with you.

Invisalign is a brand name for an invisible aligner. It is the clinically proven, nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. Invisalign is removable, clear braces made of clear plastic aligners and are worn day and night over the teeth to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.

Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and is then replaced with the next in the series until your treatment is complete. At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we show you a view of your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see the progress of how straight your teeth will appear.

Benefits of straighter teeth :

The benefits of having a straight smile without crowding or gaps extend far beyond the cosmetic. Teeth that are crowded too close together or have gaps between them are often more susceptible to gum disease. They may also be difficult to brush or floss, leading to tooth decay. Straightening your teeth can result in overall better dental health, and yes, the freedom to smile and flash those pearly whites without feeling self-conscious is absolutely amazing!

Benefits of using Invisalign over traditional braces

There are several benefits when comparing traditional braces that comprise brackets and wires to Invisalign. Some of the benefits are:

  • Cosmetic benefits

    Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic material and virtually unnoticeable, letting you straighten your teeth without anyone noticing. We even have staff members wearing Invisalign at work and haven’t been able to notice until they say they are wearing them!

  • Oral health benefits

    There are no wires or metal to cause mouth abrasions with Invisalign compared to traditional braces, which is something we find patients really appreciate. Also, as Invisalign Clear Braces are removable, you can eat, drink, brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Being removable, they also make regular checkups at the dental office easier.

  • More predictable treatment

    With the ClickCheck software, you can actually view an estimate of what your smile will look like after treatment, even before you begin! You can review the progress during your treatment and make adjustments mid-treatment if required, giving you a high level of control over your Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign Clear braces are made of SmartTrack, an elastic aligner material made of a medical-grade polyurethane resin that is Bisphenol-A (BPA) free. This thermoplastic material looks similar to tooth-whitening trays. These are smooth to the touch without sharp edges to ensure you can avoid ulcers.

A series of Invisalign invisible aligners are custom made in a laboratory using advanced computer imaging technology.

You wear each Invisalign aligner for two weeks before being replaced with the next one until your teeth are straight.

We have helped many patients look great with the latest and best Invisalign technology. Now it’s your turn! We have developed a simple 4 step Invisalign plan to help you on your journey:

  • Step 1: Book in for your free consultation

    Our Invisalign consultant will answer your Invisalign questions and showcase our previous work to ensure you are well informed and confident about your choice.

  • Step 2: Receive your Invisalign treatment plan

    At your records appointment, our Invisalign dentists will take x-rays, photographs and digital impressions of your teeth to create a treatment plan for straightening your teeth.

  • Step 3: Create your new smile

    Our Platinum Elite team will then go to work at creating your new smile. The treatment plan, along with the latest 3-D computer imaging technology, is used in the laboratory to create a series of clear aligners for you. The amount of clear aligners created (usually 15 to 30 aligners) depends on your specific circumstances.

  • Step 4: Maintain and smile!

    About every 2-3 weeks, you will replace your existing clear removable braces with the next set in your series. About every 2-6 weeks, depending on your situation, you will visit our clinic to ensure your treatment is progressing properly. It typically takes 6 to 18 months to complete orthodontic treatment with Invisalign invisible braces.

As an Invisalign Certified Provider, you can rest assured that your Invisalign treatment is in the safe hands of our experienced dental team. Combining that confidence with competitive and clear pricing, the latest technology in dentistry, complimentary consultation for all your questions and even a free take-home teeth whitening kit after treatment, Greenhithe Dental Boutique is your go-to destination for Invisalign Clear Braces. Contact us to know more about what we can offer for your Invisalign Treatment.
Contact Us
To get started, simply ring (09) 413 5109, and our friendly team will arrange a consultation. After your initial Invisalign evaluation with us, we will discuss your goals for a new smile. Our Doctor will plan your full Invisalign treatment and take your impressions and photographs. With advanced computer technology, our doctor can then show you a model of how you could look before you start your Invisalign treatment.

No, for Invisalign treatment, you just need to have all your adult / permanent teeth (fully erupted molars). However, you must be committed to wearing your Invisalign invisible aligners at all times except for eating, drinking and cleaning.

At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we see a range of different ages from young to older patients, and we definitely encourage you to come in for a complimentary consultation if you are not sure you can get Invisalign.

Depending on your Personal Treatment Plan designed by our team, most Invisalign treatments can take 12–18 months.
Invisalign is most effective when aligners are worn for 21 to 23 hours a day for the best results. Every two weeks, you change to a new aligner. At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we will ensure that you have all the information needed to the benefits of wearing your aligners for the length of time required as advised by our dental team.
Invisalign aligners are removable with ease, so you can still enjoy your favourite foods, snacks and drinks, without feeling uncomfortable. This also prevents the aligners from staining and damaging.
You will only feel temporary pressure when you wear Invisalign aligners for the first few days as your teeth are being moved into their position and after each new aligner is used, but this discomfort usually disappears after a couple of days. There are no sharp edges like traditional braces, as Invisalign are made of a smooth coating, and the pressure itself is a satisfying way of knowing the Invisalign aligners are working to improve your smile.

As with conventional treatments, you may feel a slight pressure at first when using Invisalign Clear Braces. Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech for some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two until your speech adjusts, but remember that the aligners are customised to fit your teeth so there are no loose areas where your mouth will feel like there is a foreign object in your mouth or feel uncomfortable like the traditional braces would

At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we provide our Dental Team’s expertise and combine our 3-D computer imaging technology with our Vinyl Impression System for Invisalign treatments to reduce any error margins, making real-time adjustments for when your aligners are made up.

Since Greenhithe Dental Boutique is a certified provider and treats a high number of Invisalign cases per year, it results in a reduced cost for us to provide this treatment, and this saving is something we pass on to our patients! We can offer Invisalign from as little as $2000 (depending on individual cases). Since Invisalign falls under orthodontic treatment, these costs may qualify for Health Insurance reimbursement.

Naturally, we do provide a complimentary Invisalign consultation to answer all your queries. Also, get a complimentary take-home teeth whitening kit at the end of your treatment!

We are confident in our ability to provide the best possible value for your treatment and are happy to beat any genuine written quote.

Get in touch to discuss our fees and finance options.

Yes, providing you have orthodontic coverage (braces), Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces. Payment plans with a deposit can be arranged, or approved applicants can have either 12 to 18 months interest-free with no deposit or payment plans that can spread the costs over 2 to 4 years.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement. Since they attach directly to the jawbone, implants look and feel like real teeth, and they may prevent bone loss and gum recession at the same time.
Usually minimal to none. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anaesthesia. You may have mild post-surgical soreness for up to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief is generally sufficient to alleviate the discomfort in most patients. Special care will be taken to stay in contact with you after the surgery to be sure that you remain comfortable.
It’s a personal choice; however, it is possible to return to work the next day after the procedure. Our surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.
Complete treatment can take between six weeks and nine months, and in some cases, longer. Of course, we’ll be able to give you a more accurate idea of how long the process will take at your initial consultation.
No, we can provide short term, temporary teeth until your permanent implants are ready to fit. Please note that charges for temporary teeth are not included in implant prices and will be quoted separately.
Yes. The metal used is titanium which is the same material used to pin broken bones.
At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, we use the very best materials, techniques and technology to create your implant, so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last a lifetime. However, there are a number of factors that can affect how long your implant may last. These include your general health, nutrition, oral hygiene and tobacco usage. Once your procedure is complete, we’ll provide you with a warranty for your implant as well as helpful information about how to care for it.
We want your procedure to be as successful as possible; that’s why we allow 6-12 weeks for integration and the bone to heal properly. Any earlier may jeopardise the success rate and may increase your chance of dental implant failure. Your dentist will be able to offer options based on your individual clinical condition.
When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supported them. As this bone disappears, problems with other teeth may occur. Such issues may include pain, mobility, and lack of retention for prosthetics, sharp painful ridges, mobile gum tissue and sore spots.
Any relatively fit and healthy adult can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants. Your dentist will be able to determine your suitability to have dental implants after your initial consultation.
Possibly, depending on which insurance provider you are with. It’s best to discuss this with your individual provider.
Yes, we absolutely have finance options available. For more information on interest-free payment plans, please click here.
We believe in transparent pricing. You can read a bit more about our pricing structure here. We invite you to a complimentary consultation with our team to understand your specific situation and provide you with an accurate treatment plan and fee structure.
Contact us to book a complimentary consultation.
Contact Us

Porcelain Crowns

Permanent crowns can be made from all-metal (such as gold or another alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide a better natural colour match than any other crown type. They require less tooth to be drilled away, which helps keep the tooth strong. These crowns are a good choice for front and back teeth.

Gold crowns are very strong and long-lasting. They also have the added benefit of not shrinking, which allows a very good fit. Gold crowns are most often used on the back teeth, where they are less noticeable.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be colour-matched to your adjacent teeth (unlike the metallic crowns). However, there tends to be more wear on the opposing teeth with this crown type compared to metal or resin crowns. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.

The procedure usually involves two appointments.

At the first appointment, our dental professional and Dr Talha will examine your tooth and prepare it to receive the crown. This usually involves filing and sometimes filling the tooth.

We will also take an impression of your tooth and those surrounding it. This is then sent off to our lab and used to make your permanent crown.

Once this is ready, we’ll see you again for your second appointment and place the crown.

On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and how well you follow good oral hygiene practices.

It’s also helpful to avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packagings.

While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease.

Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day – especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

An antibacterial mouth rinse can also help. Your regular dental hygienist appointments also provide a good opportunity for your crown to be checked and thoroughly cleaned.

For more information, contact our friendly staff today.
Contact Us

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years, so they will eventually need to be replaced. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and make sure you have regular hygiene appointments.

At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, our veneers are made in New Zealand from the highest porcelain quality available. We will work with you to create the happy, healthy, long-lasting smile you deserve. We’ll also provide you with handy hints to ensure that your veneers last longer.

This procedure usually takes two to three visits to complete over a period of two to three weeks. Because our veneers are made in New Zealand, we are able to offer a quick turn-around time.
For more information, contact our friendly staff today.
Contact Us

Orthodontics

If you’re considering having orthodontic treatment, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions. We’ve tried to cover off as many as possible on this page, but if you have any other questions, no matter how small, just contact us, and one of our friendly staff will be only too happy to help.
Anyone concerned about the appearance and function of their teeth and jaws. Treatment can start as young as seven years of age, with no upper age limit. Most orthodontic treatment is undertaken in the early teenage years as this is when growth is most rapid.
At Greenhithe Dental Boutique, our costs are very competitive with interest-free payment plans available. We provide an all-inclusive price with no hidden extras. Actual costs vary depending on the severity of the problem and the complexity and length of treatment. You’ll be provided with an all-inclusive fee before treatment begins with no hidden costs. Here is what you might pay for orthodontic treatment:
  • Simple treatment over 6 to 12 months with a removable plate/braces: $2500-3000
  • A bionator to align the jaws over 12 months: $2800
  • Fixed appliances (braces) over 6 to 12 months: $3000-4500
  • A combination of appliances for around two to three years: up to $7000 for really serious problems
And if you live in Auckland, you will find this is a pretty good deal.
We’ve made financing orthodontics easy and affordable. You can either pay for treatment up-front in one payment and receive a discount or pay the treatment off interest-free over a period of time. For example, let’s look at a $6000 two-year orthodontic treatment plan:
  • Option 1 : Payment up-front at a 5% discount would be $5700.
  • Option 2 : Payment over a two-year treatment period would require a deposit of $1000, then $250 per month (or $62.50 per week) for 20 months by direct debit.
We’ll discuss costs and payment plans for your needs at your initial consultation.
Orthodontic treatment can vary between a few months to several years, depending on the severity of the problem. The average treatment period is around 18 months; however, we’ll be able to give you an idea of how long your treatment will take at your initial consultation.
You’ll need to see us every 4-8 weeks during treatment to have your braces checked and adjusted. This varies according to which phase of treatment we are in.
Once your braces have been removed, it is vital that your teeth are kept in their new position. This can be achieved using a removable upper plate and a fixed wire that is bonded behind the lower front teeth. You will need the plate full time for six months and then nights only for around 12-18 months. Your orthodontist will monitor your retention for two years after your braces have been removed.
Fixed appliances are more commonly known as braces and are very effective at straightening the teeth. Braces comprise high-grade stainless steel or clear porcelain brackets, which are fixed to each tooth. These brackets act as a handle, allowing the teeth to be moved as directed by a wire which runs along with the brackets.
These are a type of plate used to correct the position of an individual or a few teeth. This term is also used to describe the retaining plates worn at the end of treatment.
These appliances use the face’s functional forces to correct the bite and are only used in growing patients. They are generally used to posture a small lower jaw forward in the face.
We will only take teeth out if it is necessary, and you will be advised at your initial consultation whether this is likely.
Your teeth have to be kept very clean. It’s important to avoid sticky foods, and sugary drinks as these will promote dental decay. You’ll also need to avoid eating hard foods during treatment and will need to eat only very soft food in the first few days after your braces are applied. You’ll receive an information sheet at the time your braces are put on that will provide you with more tips about caring for your braces. You will also need to see your dentist for regular dental check-ups during treatment, and you may need extra dental hygiene visits.
Having braces applied is relatively straightforward and not at all painful. Several hours after the braces have been placed, you are likely to feel some discomfort. This will ease after the first week, but some discomfort may also be felt after each orthodontic visit. Some people find that paracetamol helps ease this discomfort.
Yes, you can still continue playing your favourite sport, but we definitely recommend the use of a custom-fitted mouthguard.
If you have any other questions, contact our friendly team today.
Contact Us

Kids Dentistry

Your child’s first visit should occur at about 12months of age or the first eruption of their teeth. However, it is never too late to have a first visit. You will experience our philosophy of non-judgment service and care.
A check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, we can recommend a tailor-made plan based on your child’s oral health.
There is minimal risk in dental X-rays. We are especially careful to limit the amount of radiation to which children are exposed. Lead aprons and high-speed film are used to ensure safety and minimise the amount of radiation.
Sealants work by filling in the crevasses of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out food particles that could get caught in the teeth, causing cavities. The application is fast, comfortable and can effectively protect your child’s teeth for many years.
A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. We can provide you with a free brush suitable for your baby.
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, your dentist can discuss a plan with you.
“Baby Teeth” are important because they help children chew comfortably and speak clearly. They also assist in creating the path that permanent teeth follow when they erupt.
Prior to the ages of 2-3, you can clean your child’s teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. At about the age of 3, you are able to introduce toothpaste to your child’s brushing routine. Ensure you observe your child and make sure that no more than a pea-sized amount is used. Encourage your child to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing.
If your little one is not getting enough fluoride through water (especially if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride), then fluoride supplements may be prescribed.
Do your best to ensure your child has a balanced diet, including one serving each of: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limiting the servings of sugars and starches will also aid in protecting your child’s teeth from decay.
First, rinse the aggravated area with warm salt water and rest a cold compress against the face if it is swollen. You can give them pain relief and ensure you make an appointment with our team as soon as possible.
Soft plastic mouthguards can be made for your child to protect their teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from a sport-related injury. A custom-fitted mouthguard is significantly more effective than generic options.
The most important thing to do is to remain composed. Then find the tooth. Hold it by the crown instead of the root and try to reinsert it in the socket. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk. Call our team for further instructions.
Again, remain calm and contact our team immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the appointment.
If you have any other questions, contact our friendly team today.
Contact Us
Scroll to Top