Braces & aligner FAQs – Dombivli

Yes. Dr. Niraj Bhat provides Invisalign® and other clear aligners at Family Dental Care, Dombivli East, 2 minutes from the station. He is an Invisalign® GO Key Opinion Leader and plans every aligner case digitally before treatment starts.

Cost depends on the type of appliance and how complex your case is. After the consultation and records, you get a written plan with the exact fee, duration and EMI options before you commit. You can also WhatsApp a smile photo for a preliminary idea.

Any age, as long as gum health is good. A first check around age 7 helps spot jaw growth and habit problems early; most full treatments for children start between 11 and 14. Adults in their 30s, 40s and beyond are treated regularly.

Mild cases can finish in about 6 months; most full treatments take 12 to 24 months. Your timeline is estimated at the consultation.

For many mild to moderate cases, yes. Some complex bite problems are better treated with braces. Dr. Bhat will tell you honestly which option suits your teeth.

It depends on the case. Severe crowding or forward (buck) teeth may need extractions; spacing cases usually do not. This is decided only after records and analysis.

Expect some pressure and discomfort for the first week after fitting and after adjustments, after which you get used to them. A soothing gel or mild painkiller is advised if needed.

Rarely. Around 90% of cases do not need any surgery. Only severe jaw problems may need jaw (orthognathic) surgery, and minor procedures like a frenectomy are needed in a few cases.

Yes. Teeth tend to drift back after treatment. Custom removable and/or fixed retainers keep your result stable, and a retention plan is part of every treatment.

Yes. If you have a treatment plan from another clinic, are mid-treatment and unhappy, or a dentist has referred you, message the clinic on WhatsApp to book a second-opinion consultation.

Yes. Patients regularly come from Dombivli West, Thakurli, Kalyan, Diva, Palava, Manpada and nearby areas. The clinic is 2 minutes from Dombivli East railway station.

Tap any WhatsApp button on this site or call +91 99697 37680. The clinic replies with available slots. Clinic hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 am–2 pm & 6–9 pm · Sunday closed.

Avoid hard and sticky food that can break brackets or bend wires:

• Chikki, chakli, hard laddoos
• Wafers, banana chips, khakra, roasted papad
• Popcorn, peanuts, roasted chana, dry fruits
• Bhel, sev puri, pani puri, base of samosa
• Toffees, chewing gum, chocolates with nuts or caramel
• Whole carrot, cucumber, guava (cut them small instead)
• Pizza crust, grilled sandwiches, hard puris
• Supari, pan masala, meat on the bone

• Chapati, soft roti, pav, bread
• Rice, biryani, pulao, dal and curries
• Idli, dosa, poha, upma, shira
• Boiled and curry vegetables
• Boneless chicken, fish and eggs
• Fruits without seeds, juices, milkshakes
• Plain chocolate and plain ice cream
• Biscuits or toast dipped in tea or milk

With aligners, remove the trays to eat and brush before wearing them again.

Special orthodontic brushes are used, and the technique is shown at the start of treatment. Brush at least twice or thrice a day, rinse well with water after every meal, and use a fluoride mouthwash if advised to prevent decay.

Brackets are bonded to the tooth surface with a dental adhesive. When treatment is complete they are removed, the remaining adhesive is cleaned off and the teeth are polished.

Habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, lip sucking and tongue thrusting, genetics, early loss or extraction of teeth, and in adults, weak gums and age-related changes.