Dr Michael Black has recently been elected president of NZDOS (New Zealand Dentists’ Orthodontic Society). The Society was created to support dentists that provide orthodontic treatment for their patients. 

All members are dentists who want to educate both the public and other dental practitioners on the advantages of the more modern treatments that are available and that orthodontic treatment commonly should be started at a much younger age than the traditional “teenage” treatments.

The Society believes in early assessment and treatment so that any causing factors can be removed so that normal growth occurs. The result of this is less complicated treatment that is usually quicker and therefore less expensive.  Most like to see the patients at about 8 years of age, but it can be even sooner. With early detection of problems it is unusual that adult teeth will need to be extracted or that jaw surgery will be necessary. These techniques have been used for many years, and are well accepted throughout the world.