We focus solely on orthodontic treatment so we can provide you with the most effective and long-lasting care.
We know that choosing an orthodontist is a big decision to make and we don’t take that lightly. We're committed to providing our patients with the highest quality orthodontic care and the best customer service.
Every patient receives the highest level, one-on-one specialist care from registered Specialist Orthodontist, Kieran O’Neill. Kieran’s team will assist with some clinical duties, including comprehensive oral hygiene assessment and follow-up instructions.
We're customer-oriented and work hard to make sure you feel comfortable while in our clinic. To ensure that all our patients feel welcome, we have created a fun, friendly office atmosphere!
About Us
Dr Kieran O'Neill maintains his high professional standards by regularly attending numerous conferences in Australasia and overseas. He believes it's important that the best clinical evidence available backs up any new treatment options. By applying the skills of critical analysis to the available evidence, good clinical innovation can be separated from what is marketing hype.
Within Orthodontic circles, Kieran has been an active member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and chairing the Education and Research Development Group standing committee for several years. Kieran was the President of NZAO from 2017-2019. He is also a member of New Zealand Dental Association; the European Orthodontic Society, the American Association of Orthodontists and the World Federation of Orthodontists.
He has been President of the Southland Branch of New Zealand Dental Association and is currently the Branch Treasurer.
Meet The Team
Dr Kieran O'Neill has a strong connection to Southland, as he was born and brought up in Invercargill and went to secondary school in Gore. After graduating from Otago University he practiced general dentistry, first in Hamilton and then in Melbourne, Australia before returning to Otago University and completing his Masters in Dental Surgery in Orthodontics. He returned to Invercargill soon afterward to give his family the same wonderful opportunities that he had growing up in Southland.
Airdrie has been working at O’Neill Orthodontics since January 2019 and became Practice Manager in May 2021. She came to the practice after working as Office Manager for a local heating company and prior to that, 30 years in the newspaper industry. Her goal is to run the practice smoothly and efficiently, with happy staff and a relaxed and positive atmosphere for our patients. When not at work, she enjoys Marching, having been involved since childhood as a competitor, coach, manager and administrator.
Wendy started working with Kieran O’Neill in 2004 as a Registered Orthodontic Auxiliary, after working for a long period of time as a Dental Assistant (NZDA 1985). She enjoys working with patients and finds it very rewarding to see the changes that occur throughout their treatment and seeing their self-esteem grow. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with family and friends and holidaying in Central Otago, where she goes biking, spends time at the lakes and rivers and relaxes in the sun.
Dr Ricky Lim completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore in 2019. After graduating, he undertook a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital, where he treated complex and medically compromised patients, before being accepted into an Orthodontic Residency. He is an American Board Certified Orthodontist (2024). In general dentistry, he enjoys fixed dental prosthodontics (FDP), whether on implants or natural abutment teeth, with a focus on creating beautiful, functional restorations in collaboration with the lab. In orthodontics, he loves working with teens and adults, guiding them through the multi-year treatment process, building strong rapport along the way, and emphasizing oral hygiene and long-term dental health. What he really enjoys is getting to know his patients as people, hearing their stories, learning about their lives, and seeing the small changes turn into confident smiles. It is those personal connections, along with helping someone feel better about their smile, that make this work so meaningful. Outside of work, he loves exploring new places and capturing memories with Polaroid prints, adding little notes to each one. He enjoys travel, good food, and cooking with friends and family, whether around a campfire or a cosy fireplace with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee. He is passionate about music and sci-fi books, and enjoys swapping recommendations. His favourite time in nature so far has been Glacier National Park in the USA, which he highly recommends, and he would love to hear about your favourite spots too.
Lisa is part of the administration team at O’Neill Orthodontics. Only just starting in April 2023 after working in the newspaper industry for 27 years. Lisa loves interacting with patients, finds it rewarding to be part of a friendly team and loves seeing the end product of patient’s happy smiles after treatment has been completed. When not working, Lisa enjoys playing/watching netball, and helping out in a coaching role.
Clare started with O’Neill Orthodontics in February 2026 as a Clinical Assistant. She began in the dental industry working as a dental assistant in Sydney, Australia for many years and also worked in Ireland when on her travels. Clare gained her NZDA qualification in 2012. In her spare time, Clare enjoys encouraging her two daughters in their extra-curricular activities, fosters kittens and enjoys holidaying at local beach towns, in particular Kaka Point and Riverton.
We're proud members of the Wish for A Smile Trust
We've been part of the Wish For A Smile Trust for many years. The Wish For A Smile Trust is a public health initiative of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO). The Trust aims to make specialist orthodontic treatment available to young New Zealanders who would otherwise be unable to access orthodontic care.
Wish For A Smile orthodontists are full NZAO members and registered orthodontic specialists. Participating orthodontists have undertaken to treat selected children within their community who are unable to access orthodontic care because of financial hardship.
The Wish For A Smile programme is only available in those areas serviced by participating members of the NZAO.