Smile Stories

Ian’s smile feels as strong as it looks

From a chipped tooth to long-term oral health, see how understanding the root cause changed Ian’s outcome.

A chipped tooth and a practical plan

Ian came into The Dentists in Taradale with pain from a chipped tooth. He’s a practical person and wanted a solution that would last, not a quick fix. When he learned that a grinding habit resulting in teeth wear and a collapsed bite was behind the chipped tooth, he chose to take his oral health seriously and work with his Dentist, Dr. Mei, to resolve the root cause.What followed was a clearer understanding of what was happening in his mouth, and a series of conversations that helped him decide what felt right. Ian chose to restore his smile, which included crowns and veneers.Today, Ian has a stable bite and a mouth designed to function long term. He eats without thinking, sleeps more deeply, and breathes more easily.

The first visit

During the first exam, Dr. Mei saw that the chipped tooth wasn't isolated. There was wear across multiple teeth, and his bite was collapsed. This was placing uneven stress through Ian’s mouth, causing the chipping, and even affecting his breathing, especially at night.

Ian decided to go ahead with a Diag, a comprehensive diagnosis free of charge. This allowed Dr. Mei to spend time reviewing his oral health in more detail so they could look at what was happening and why.

The Diag: we guide, you decide

The Diag is a key part of how we approach complex cases. During the Diag, they went over what Dr. Mei was seeing, how his teeth had been wearing over time, and why things had reached this point where there was a chipped tooth.For Ian, this was the moment things clicked. What had felt like a one-off problem started to make sense as part of a bigger pattern. They talked about what might happen if nothing changed, and what could be different if he chose to address it. There was space to ask questions, to pause, and to think about what mattered to him. With a clear understanding of his options, Ian made an informed decision with Dr. Mei’s guidance.

Before: Ian was experiencing chipping, bite imbalance, sensitivity, and disrupted sleep linked to breathing.

Ian and Dr. Mei after his completed treatment.

Let’s understand the full picture, together

Whether you come in with a specific concern, or for a routine visit, the focus is on understanding what’s happening and what matters to you. From there, you can look at your options and decide what feels right.We’ll carry out a thorough examination, and where appropriate, recommend a personal Diag to explore your situation in more depth and map out your options.Then you decide.Feel good and gain the health and confidence you need to enjoy life. Book your visit and ask about The Diag today.

We’re here for you, for life

There’s a reason our patients stay with us long-term. It’s not just about fixing teeth — it’s about trust, continuity, and care that’s focussed on your overall wellbeing.

We understand how big a decision dental work can be. That’s why we offer diagnostics, clear planning, and different treatment options that work with your budget — we’re here to help.

The comfort and confidence of local care

There’s something powerful about having your care team close to home.

When you stay local, you don’t need to fly across the world for a follow-up or worry about squeezing recovery into a travel schedule. You can rest in your own home. You’re a taxi-ride away from our clinic, not a 12-hour flight.

And here’s something many people don’t realise: we can handle complex cases, often locally, right here in New Zealand. At The Dentists, our team includes highly skilled clinicians who regularly perform advanced treatments — implants, full-mouth restorations, cosmetic cases and more. You’re not compromising on expertise by staying close to home. In fact, you’re gaining the benefit of long-term, connected care that evolves with you.

Thinking about going overseas?

We won’t judge. In fact, if you're considering it, we invite you to book a consultation first. We can walk you through your treatment plan, explain what to expect, and help you make an informed choice.

It’s your smile. It’s your health. You deserve to feel confident in your decision.

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