Dr. Nikhil Narkhede utilizes a variety of orthodontic systems to help patients obtain the beautiful smiles they deserve, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign® clear teeth aligners. Before joining our team at Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry, Dr. Narkhede graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry, where he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Following his graduation, Dr. Narkhede continued his training at NYU with an extensive three-year postgraduate residency in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Narkhede melds his passions for orthodontics and patient-centered care to provide patients with a truly customized plan to achieve their goals.
As an advocate of continuing education, Dr. Narkhede attends numerous courses and conferences to stay up-to-date with the most advanced orthodontic techniques. This ongoing education ultimately allows him to provide the best possible care and results for each patient’s unique needs. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the:
- American Association of Orthodontics
- American Dental Association
- American Board of Orthodontics
- New York State Dental Association
In his spare time, Dr. Narkhede enjoys exercising, DJing for special events, performing magic, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is trained in a special branch of dentistry dedicated to correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists work to address a wide range of irregularities in the arrangement of your oral structures, from malocclusion (a poor bite) and overcrowding to aesthetic facial changes caused by bad jaw alignment. With extensive knowledge on the developing neuromuscular and skeletal facial anatomy, orthodontists are highly experienced in the detection, interception, and amelioration of biting issues. In conjunction with resolving the functional concerns caused by a poorly-aligned jaw—including speech problems, difficulty chewing, facial asymmetry, and TMJ Disorder symptoms—orthodontists also strive to create a beautiful, even smile for patients in the least obstructive way possible. This often involves employing cutting-edge orthodontic systems, such as Invisalign® and cosmetic braces, to straighten teeth for discreet, effective treatment.
Dentist vs. Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
A dentist and an orthodontist are both experts in treating issues related to your smile and oral health, but there’s one key difference — an orthodontist is specially trained in correcting biting and alignment concerns. While dentists address a broad range of dental problems, orthodontists focus on the straightness of your teeth and the quality of your bite. By making sure you have a strong, healthy, and well-aligned bite, orthodontists also repair issues related to your jaw alignment. This can help reduce or alleviate problems caused by jaw dysfunction, which can lead to everyday symptoms such as headaches, clicking or popping of the jaw, and back and shoulder pain, among other potential issues. Orthodontics is sometimes considered an effective solution to TMJ disorder, which is a common condition caused by improper function of the jaw joints.
Needless to say, an orthodontist can improve much more than the appearance of your teeth and smile. Those trained in orthodontia can also enhance your physiological health, oral health, and general well-being. If you need braces or have a poorly aligned bite, it’s generally best to ensure you’re under the care of a dental professional who focuses exclusively on orthodontics.
How Can an Orthodontist Improve My Smile?
Orthodontic treatment is often considered a part of cosmetic dentistry for good reason. These treatments can be performed in tandem with teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other conservative solutions to give patients a full Smile Makeover. In general, an orthodontist can elevate your smile by:
- Addressing gaps, crookedness, and misalignments caused by tooth crowding and spacing issues
- Correcting underbites and overbites, which can lead to positive effects to your overall facial shape
- Making your teeth more even and symmetrical, giving you a smile you can be proud of
Dr. Narkhede also offers orthodontic systems more comfortable and cosmetic than unsightly metal braces. We invite you to ask about our clear aligner treatments to allow you to straighten your teeth more discreetly than ever before!
When Should I Take My Child to an Orthodontist?
Your child should be screened for orthodontic treatment by the age of seven, which is typically when most children have begun to develop some permanent teeth. Early detection and evaluation of teeth and jaw misalignment can allow your orthodontist to detect any existing or developing biting issues and begin prompt treatment planning before such complications are exacerbated. After this comprehensive examination, your orthodontist can assess whether preliminary orthodontic appliances for your child are necessary, as well as determine the best time to start treatment in the event that intervention is required. In most cases, child orthodontics can decrease the risk of more complex problems arising in the future and, if appropriate, minimize the amount of time your child has to wear braces.
How to Choose an Orthodontist
In selecting a qualified orthodontist to treat your concerns, it is essential to choose an experienced professional who is attuned to the latest orthodontic technologies and well-equipped to address your unique needs. Given the range of available options at your disposal, our team has put together some tips to help you narrow your search:
- Research their educational background. Ensure your prospective orthodontist has undergone the post-graduate training required of orthodontic specialists. While many general dentists offer orthodontic procedures, those who have studied under curriculum that is exclusively dedicated to malpositioning of the teeth and jaw can be more capable of developing a comprehensive treatment plan for your needs.
- Learn about their credentials. What are your prospective orthodontist’s professional affiliations? Membership to local, regional, and national organizations like the American Association of Orthodontics or the New York State Dental Association can speak volumes about how active and engaged he or she is within their profession.
- Find out if they pursue continuing education. Newer and more effective ways to address malocclusion are discovered constantly, making it essential for orthodontists to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Engagement in ongoing education courses typically conveys an orthodontist’s commitment to providing the most comfortable and timely treatment possible.
- Schedule a consultation. After conducting the necessary research, schedule a consultation with a prospective dentist to ultimately determine whether you feel confident in their ability to achieve your treatment goals. During this meeting, you should feel comfortable and assured that your concerns are being thoroughly addressed.
- Ask questions. Ensure your orthodontist takes the time to keep you well-informed. Questions you can ask that may give you a better understanding of your potential treatment process include: What will my treatment entail? What distinguishes a given orthodontic system from others? Can you give me an idea of my treatment timeline?
- Keep location in mind. Orthodontic treatment can be a long-term commitment, usually involving multiple appointments on a routine basis. Choose a practice whose location is convenient for you, and then make sure your prospective orthodontist plans on staying at that particular location for the duration of your treatment.
If you would like more information on our orthodontic options, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Narkhede, please contact our practice today.