Ministry of Smile, formerly known as Wellington Braces, is an orthodontic practice on Thorndon Quay in Wellington. It was founded in 2015 by Dr Sarah Ting, who leads a team offering Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Clear Braces and Metal Braces to patients of all ages.
Dr Sarah Ting trained at the University of Otago (BDS, 2006) before starting her dental career in paediatric care at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Western Australia. She went on to complete a clinical doctorate in orthodontics (DClinDent) at the University of Queensland and holds a fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS). She is recognised as the first Wellington orthodontist to achieve top-tier Invisalign provider status — referred to on the practice's own website in different places as both Invisalign Diamond Provider and Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider status. She has also received the Young Lecturer Award from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, plus lecturing awards from the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists and the University of Queensland, and is a co-developer of Bracemate, a free smartphone app that helps patients plan their braces colour choices.
Sarah is supported by Richard, an Orthodontic Auxiliary and trained dentist who also manages the practice's fully digital in-house laboratory; Myrill, a training Orthodontic Auxiliary with a dental degree from the Philippines who has worked in the practice since moving to New Zealand in 2019; and Christine, the Practice Manager, who brings over 30 years of dental experience to patient relations and administration.
The clinic itself is equipped with advanced digital printers for orthodontic appliances, a CBCT machine for detailed 3D imaging, and negative pressure rooms to support a safe, sterile environment.
Ministry of Smile, formerly known as Wellington Braces, has been providing orthodontic care to the Wellington community since 2015. Founded by Dr Sarah Ting, the practice is based on Thorndon Quay and offers a full range of modern orthodontic treatments, from nearly invisible aligners to traditional metal braces.
Dr Ting completed her dental training at the University of Otago in 2006 and began her career in paediatric care at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Western Australia. Her own experience of wearing braces as a teenager to fix a 'gappy' smile helped inspire her move into orthodontics. She went on to complete a clinical doctorate in orthodontics at the University of Queensland and was awarded a fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Dr Ting is recognised as the first Wellington orthodontist to achieve top-tier Invisalign provider status. She's also the recipient of the Young Lecturer Award from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, along with lecturing awards from the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists and the University of Queensland — recognition for her ability to translate the latest orthodontic research into practical, understandable advice. Beyond the clinic, she co-developed Bracemate, a free smartphone app that helps braces patients plan their elastomer colour choices ahead of each visit.
The practice offers Invisalign for adults, using a series of custom, removable aligners changed every two weeks that gradually straighten teeth without interfering with day-to-day appearance. Because the aligners come out for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, patients often find it easier to maintain dental hygiene during treatment.
Invisalign Teen follows the same nearly invisible approach but is designed with parents in mind — a built-in blue compliance indicator lets both the orthodontist and parents check that the aligners are being worn for the prescribed 22 hours a day. The aligners can still be removed for photos, like a school formal, while remaining discreet the rest of the time.
For patients wanting a more traditional fixed option, Clear Braces use Radiance Plus braces from American Orthodontics, made from sapphire and described as the most translucent and durable clear braces currently available. Metal Braces remain a reliable, affordable, time-tested choice, using the latest, smaller stainless steel bracket design for greater comfort — and many patients enjoy picking new elastomer colours at each visit.
Dr Ting is supported by a small, experienced team. Richard, an Orthodontic Auxiliary and trained dentist, manages the practice's fully digital in-house laboratory, overseeing the fabrication of orthodontic appliances. Myrill, a training Orthodontic Auxiliary with a dental degree from the Philippines, has worked in dental assisting since moving to New Zealand in 2019. Christine, the Practice Manager, brings more than 30 years of dental experience to patient relations and the day-to-day running of the practice.
Ministry of Smile has invested in cutting-edge dental technology, including advanced digital printers for producing precise orthodontic appliances, a CBCT machine for detailed 3D imaging, and negative pressure rooms designed to keep the clinic safe and sterile.
The practice also maintains a resources section covering practical topics like cleaning braces, foods to avoid, managing sore teeth, and what to do in a braces-related emergency — useful reading for both new and existing patients. For anyone considering Invisalign, braces, or simply wanting expert advice, the Ministry of Smile team is based at 121 Thorndon Quay and can be reached by phone or email to talk through treatment options.