Tony Bunyan Orthodontics

About Us

Established in 1990, owner and specialist orthodontist Dr Tony Bunyan heads our team. Tony spent his first year at Massey University in Palmerston North completing his Dental Intermediate there before applying to New Zealand’s only Dental School at the University of Otago in Dunedin to become a dentist. At the completion of five years of study he graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Upon graduation, he spent a year in general dental practice in Whangarei before returning to the Dental School in Dunedin the following year as an Assistant Lecturer. During this time, he developed a keen interest in Orthodontic Treatment and applied to the Orthodontic Department to train as a Specialist Orthodontist.

Three years later he graduated with a Master of Dental Surgery in Orthodontics, passing his degree with the rare honour of Distinction. After a short period as a locum in Dunedin, Tony moved to Auckland in 1988 where he has spent his entire orthodontic practicing career. In addition to his practice in Takapuna he shares an Office in Howick with Specialist Orthodontists Drs Hey and McAlister. He also travels to Taranaki regularly to his satellite practice in New Plymouth.

He is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association, the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Dental Association, the World Federation of Orthodontists, as well as an international member of the Australian Orthodontic Society and the American Association of Orthodontists.

Brenda began her dental career as a School Dental Therapist working in both group and sole charge positions. She returned to the profession in 2009 and is registered with the NZDC as an Orthodontic Auxillary.

Justine first joined the practice in 2003. She is registered with the NZDC as an Orthodontic Auxillary.

Dr Bunyan and his staff are constantly updating their knowledge base and skills through continuing education programmes, conferences and in-house training to provide you with the latest treatments available in a safe professional environment.

How you help children

When you come for your first appointment a comprehensive examination of your child’s teeth, sometimes with additional information from x-rays, is used to gather information about any orthodontic problems. Tony will then be able to advise you what treatment options are available.

What happens next depends on what was found at the orthodontic consultation.

If the problem is a relatively simple and straight forward one, a short treatment of a few weeks or months with removeable orthodontic plate is all that might be needed. If the problem is more complex it can take longer and require braces fitted to the teeth. An average complex treatment is approximately two years.

Often in growing children and adolescents there is further facial growth and dental development required before treatment can commence. To determine the best time to begin treatment Tony may suggest a growth study. This study may require the collection of x-rays, photographs, models of teeth or height records. At regular intervals, you will be recalled to the practice and a review of the growth undertaken until your child is ready to begin treatment.

Once your child is ready to proceed with treatment a full set of pre-treatment orthodontic records will be collected. This may consist of x-rays, photographs, moulds and models of the teeth, records of how the teeth bite together and cone-beam CT scans depending on the orthodontic problem. With this additional information Tony will make a diagnosis of the orthodontic problem and create a set of treatment options specific to your child’s needs.

These options will be discussed with you. Tony encourages you to ask questions and understand the orthodontic treatment options before commencing treatment. Your informed consent is important to us.

Physical environment

Our modern Clinic is allocated in Takapuna on the main bus routes and close to ample free parking.

Atmosphere

Tony and his staff’s professional and caring approach encourages you to ask questions and become part of your treatment team. Working together achieves the best results.

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the problem, complexity of treatment and length of treatment time. We understand that orthodontic fees are a significant cost. We are happy to arrange for the fee to be paid over extended periods during treatment, WITHOUT interest penalties.

Call us today to find out more.