For many of us, when we think of orthodontics, we envision straight teeth and winning smiles. But Dr. Chiraag Parekh revealed that it's so much more than that.
While some may think of orthodontics as a luxury that can improve the aesthetics of your smile, Dr. Parekh stressed that it should be rebranded to something that can lead to significant improvement in your overall oral health.
"Not everybody is going to be a candidate, not everyone wants it, but for those who do get it, things just work better,” he shared. “There's a better shot; a better chance of long-term success. When your teeth are in the right place, there's less grinding and wear down. You experience less crowding and fewer gum problems."
Orthodontics isn't just about straight teeth. In fact, Dr. Parekh explained that aesthetics is often a lower priority.
"From a dental perspective, it's about getting that foundation in the right place," Dr. Parekh said.
Many might not realize the potential issues that misaligned teeth can cause.
"When some of your teeth are in an odd place, the bite can be more traumatic. Too much force on one side of your mouth can make a filling more likely to break," he noted.
One might wonder why it’s necessary to focus on orthodontics beyond aesthetics. Dr. Parekh explains that even if the end result isn't picture-perfect, it has done its job if the teeth are in a healthier position.
"Most of the aligners will do their job, even if the end result is not perfect, it's done its job, placing them in a healthy place," he stated.
Dr. Parekh also insisted that many of the different clear-aligner therapies on the market are good products.
"Invisalign is great, but there are lots of competing companies with unique attributes," Dr. Parekh said. "I work with Invisalign, Spark, Clear Correct, OrthoFX, and others. Each has different indications, and I can't say any one is definitively better or worse."
The commitment to orthodontic treatment isn't just a physical one. It requires dedication and discipline.
"It's like saying, 'Will working out get you in shape?' Well, you also have to eat right, maintain your diet, and be consistent. The same goes for orthodontics, if you don’t put the time in to wear your aligners, you will not get your desired results," Dr. Parekh emphasized.
And while many might associate braces and aligners with children or teenagers, he sees value in working with adults.
"One of the reasons I like working with adults is that they take it more seriously. They're motivated, especially if they're investing their own money," Dr. Parekh said.
In his view, the dental community needs to do more to emphasize the benefits of orthodontics beyond aesthetics.
"Up until now, it's only been about aesthetics. We need to explain it's not just about taking a good photo. People don't understand the forces generated in the mouth or the difficulties in cleaning misaligned teeth," he emphasized.
In conclusion, while the aesthetic appeal of straight teeth can't be denied, the health benefits of orthodontic treatment go far beyond that. For healthier teeth and gums, and for overall better oral health, considering orthodontics isn't just about looks—it's about long-term dental well-being. Click here to follow his Journey on Instagram
Source: Tan social PR
Release ID: 806564