orthodontist
Welcome to The Big Grin

We are a specialist orthodontist and dental practice. Dr Joseph Petelo, is the expert in all things braces and orthodontic. Dr Zohnia McNeill takes care of all the general and family dentistry.
We will work with you so you can confidently break into a Big Grin whenever the moment strikes you.
Our whole team is passionate about teeth and smiles. One of our projects is to improve the utilisation of dental checkups for under 18 year olds in Canterbury. Dental care is free if you are under 18 and we want to see 100% of this age group accessing the care they are entitled to. Please help us by enrolling your children for a free dental checkup.
We love what we do and can't wait to meet you.

treatment process

Life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about

At The Big Grin we firmly believe that everyone deserves the ability to boldly and confidently grin whenever the mood strikes – and that’s what we’re here to provide. 

We’re highly skilled, vastly experienced orthodontists providing a range of treatments, services, and cutting edge techniques to straighten and/or reposition teeth and leave our clients with bold, beautiful smiles!

Our friendly team go to great lengths to ensure that clients of all ages feel relaxed and at ease, taking the time to explain each procedure, and ensuring the atmosphere in our friendly clinic is warm and inviting. 

We provide a range of braces and orthodontic treatments, with all procedures undertaken by qualified professionals at either our Christchurch practice or our Ashburton clinics. 

From an initial consultation to the fitting of your braces and  a comprehensive ‘after-care’ service, we go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure each and every one of our clients achieves the best results possible – and the sparkling grins and beaming smiles we see each day on the faces of those we work with makes all our hard work worthwhile!

treatment

A step-by-step guide to the process

  • First Visit

    During this initial consultation we'll discuss the issues that are concerning you, and talk through the treatment options which are available.

  • Recall Appointment

    This follow-up is used to monitor how quickly your teeth are changing. We'll send out a postcard to remind you to book this appointment.

  • For the Record

    During this 30-minute appointment we'll take x-rays, photos and impressions of your teeth, collecting the information we need to decide which treatment plan is best suited to you.

  • Band-up

    Today we fit your braces! You'll be with us for about an hour and a quarter, during which time we'll secure your braces in place and make sure you know everything you need to know about taking care of them.

  • Adjustments

    Once your braces are fitted and your teeth start repositioning themselves you'll need to pop back in and see us every 4-6 weeks to have them adjusted.

  • Deband

    Today we remove your braces! We'll also place a wire behind your teeth, and create a removable plate, which will help keep them in their new position.

  • Retention

    This is when we catch up to make sure everything's going well, and that your teeth have remained in their new positions.

contact

P: 03 358 5079 or 0800 THE BIG GRIN
E: hello@thebiggrin.co.nz

Locations

A: 455 Papanui Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053
A: 2 Harrison Street Allenton Ashburton 7700
A: Greymouth 28 Johnston Street Greymouth 7805
Studies show that people who smile more live longer