When your kid needs an orthodontist, the district Dental Nurse gives you a list from which to choose one. It's pretty much a random selection, although I did pull up the websites of a couple (which again, don't much help with differentiating one from another). I chose Janice in the end because her website was comprehensive but mainly because of her location which works for us. I'm glad I did because it turns out she's really good. When I had orthodontic treatment as a kid in the 80s it involved extractions (in my case 8, yes 8 permanent teeth!) followed by braces, followed by a retainer. Years passed and thousands of (my parents') dollars were spent. Our experience with Janice started with photographs and x-rays followed by a thorough consultation with all the corresponding paperwork explaining the treatment plan and costs. Fees paid upfront get a discount and there are absolutely no hidden costs. We are now unlucky enough to have all three of our children under Janice's care but due to the technical advances and undoubtedly Janice's superior skills, it is looking like only one of our three will actually need braces. That's not to say we haven't had to spend money on expanders and retainers but with these alternative interventions we've hopefully saved not only heaps of dosh, but also the dreaded metal-mouth for two thirds of the short people in the house. I really can't recommend Janice highly enough; she is surrounded by a fabulous friendly and efficient team, her offices are lovely and her whole business is very kid-friendly which is important. Nothing is ever too much trouble and all appointments, including unplanned ones for unforeseen hiccups (my daughter's appliance proved particularly challenging in the early days) are all covered up front. If you need an orthodontist, go here. read more

Janice Sommerville - Orthodontists Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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From the second you walk in the door you are welcomed to a calm, honey coloured wood, nice smelling, quiet "spa". No scary noises, no scary looking nurse, no nasty smell. It is actually relaxing.... My older daughter had really bad teeth. Twisted, teeth behind others, coming in sideways... bad bad bad.... Janice talked us through the treatment process. We asked lots of questions and Hanice took the time to not only answer my questions but my daughters too. First a plate for one year to create space for the adult teeth. 6 month break. Braces on top teeth for 1 year. Today she got her braces off.....amazing!!!!!!!!! Next week she will get a retainer then later braces on the bottom teeth. My younger daughter has bad anxiety and today had to go in to have spaces put in for a thumb stopper being fitted next week.... Mary (the lovely Scottish lady) said to my daughter who was freaking out "I have got the nicest nurse for you today - everybody loves her - here is Nina" my daughter went off holding her hand and a few minutes later returning all smiles and looking forward to her next appointment. They have a great payment plan too. I pay $200 per month and everything just gets paid off - I can't afford up front full payments and this was never a issue. I can not recommend Janice and her team more! read more

Janice Sommerville - Orthodontists Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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I had 2 children there and with both children Janice made big mistakes which have effects that will last a lifetime. The older girl had 4 adult teeth missing (don't exist). Janice decided she should not get implants later in life and just pulled all the teeth together, so there are no gaps. Teeth look nice but daughters profile is not so good. She should have had her upper jaw widened and then had implants, but now she has a very stern look and a protruding chin. Also one tooth was pulled forward too fast and she now has a damaged root to that tooth. My son was only young then but has 7 adult teeth missing and his molars were submerged, because there was no tooth lying underneath. Janice advised to have the molars pulled out immediately or they will merge with the jaw bone and can't get pulled out later on, which is what we did. Years later we went to a different orthodontist because we were not happy with our daughters treatment and were told by them, that our son should have kept those molars in as long as possible, because now the bone has shrunk away (no tooth there, so this will cause bone loss). Our son will now need major bone-grafts costing thousands and thousands of dollars in order to have implants. Also the risk of this actually working out without major complications is huge. Our new Orthodontist said the submerged molars would have never merged with the jaw, that is humbuk. Don't go there, there is no comeback once your child has been messed up! read more

My kids were given a recommendation letter to Janice Sommerville's practice. I took the eldest for an assessment and had a mixed experience. The ortho assistants(not sure the term) were very friendly and seemed very good at their jobs, but there were some things that put me off. Firstly on the form I had to fill out for my kids it asked what my employment was, I couldn't see the reason for that so asked the receptionist if this was mandatory to which she said no. So it makes me wonder if this isn't a very important field for some reason why not explain it, I think it is more a bit of snobbery and just seeking to find out who the wealthier patients are in order to please them more. Definitely got this vibe from Janice herself. I chose to go with them for my child's retainer but after a year I felt that for the service we received(again very good from the younger girls but very rushed from Janice whenever we needed anything more, perhaps me not putting down my profession caused this?), for the amount we paid(way higher than any other quotes we got, but figured maybe it was because the service was better) was not up to par. We switched to Krystal Tarak at 'All Smiles' and couldn't be happier. Much more positive and laid back vibe than at Janice's( you didn't get the impression that everything was this forced vibe of professionalism) and they were much more accommodating for late minute bookings etc. My advice if you're OK with putting down that you have a high paid profession and only getting better service for that reason and want to pay more for service that is good but not better than anything else out there, go for Janice. If not think about how these recommendations are a symbiotic relationship and may just be out of old loyalties aimed at getting other businesses money as well, and do your own homework and shop around! read more