More than 85 percent of the Indian population would benefit from orthodontics: Dr Nikhilesh Vaid

Why is orthodontic care important?
A. Well-aligned teeth and jaws are important for preserving the health of teeth, gums and jaw joints. They also help in better chewing and digestion, and prevent illnesses associated with this phenomenon (mis-alignment). In fact, orthodontic appliances can also be used for correcting grinding of teeth and sleeping/snoring disorders.

What, in your opinion, does the future hold for this speciality?
A. The future of this speciality is that it will be available across the nation, in every district, and even in rural areas. The health benefits of orthodontics, especially in cases of clefts and socially debilitating conditions should not be lost on anyone.

What kind of changes does this speciality need?
A. We need more research on how orthodontics affects the quality of life of individuals. Only then will the health impact of our science be understood.

How many members does IOS have?
A. In India, the IOS has around 3,000 life members who are specialists, and around 3,000 student members who will be Masters degree holders in three years from now or even less.

It seems that the number of doctors has increased. How has that impacted the patients?
A. The quality of orthodontic care in India has increased, with specialists being available at most places. Earlier, in remote areas, general dentists with limited training in orthodontics would provide treatment with braces. Also, patients had to travel to multiple places or towns for treatment. Today, orthodontic care is available widely, making it more convenient for patients to access it.
Also newer research has dispelled the myth that braces are only for children. Almost 80 percent of adults seeking some sort of dental treatment or another are potential candidates for braces, and can benefit by having healthy tooth positions. That makes other dental treatment less extensive.

How many patients need such treatment?
A. According to surveys in India, more than 85 percent of the Indian population would benefit from orthodontics in some form or another. Unfortunately less than five percent of people needing treatment visit a specialist orthodontist, because of lack of awareness and proper guidance.

Orthodontic treatment tends to be time-consuming. What is being done to reduce its duration?
A. Orthodontics is doing a lot of research on reducing treatment time, globally as well as in India. In fact, Mumbai is playing host to the first-ever symposium called 'Accelerated Orthodontics' in Mumbai on the 11th and 12th of January, 2015.