Teeth Straightening Experience at Dental Krafts
Misaligned teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue—they can lead to speech difficulties, jaw pain, and low self-esteem. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, nearly 60–70% of the global population has some form of malocclusion or dental misalignment. Closer to home, a recent Indian Dental Association report found that more than 40% of Indian adults aged 20–40 have alignment issues, yet only a small percentage seek corrective treatment due to misconceptions about visibility, pain, or time commitment.
Dr. Poonam Punjabi an accomplished dental professional in Govandi, Mumbai, explains:
“People often underestimate the impact of misaligned teeth on their confidence and daily functioning. Misalignment can silently cause issues like abnormal wear, jaw strain, and digestion problems. Thankfully, with today’s advanced teeth straightening treatments, we can address both functional and aesthetic concerns with minimal discomfort.”
This case study outlines the journey of Kaustubh Mohite, a 28 year-old patient who sought help at Dental Krafts to transform his smile and address functional issues caused by misalignment.
Basic Info
Doctor’s Name: Dr.Poonam Punjabi
Clinic Name: Dental Krafts
Patient’s Name: Kaustubh Mohite
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Patient Background
Kaustubh Mohite, a 28-year-old, IT executive, had been living with crowded and slightly protruding front teeth since his teenage years. Although it hadn’t caused any significant pain, it often made him self-conscious, especially during presentations or in photographs. Over time, he also began to experience discomfort while chewing and noticed slight jaw stiffness in the mornings.
He had delayed treatment, fearing the process would be lengthy, expensive, and visibly awkward in a professional environment. After speaking to a colleague who underwent treatment at Dental Krafts, Kaustubh decided to consult Dr. Poonam Punjabi.
Symptoms
When Kaustubh first visited Dental Krafts in Govandi, Mumbai, he reported a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, including:
Crowded Front Teeth: His upper incisors overlapped, creating pressure points and an uneven smile.
Jaw Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning due to misaligned bite mechanics.
Difficulty in Chewing: Improper tooth alignment led to inefficient mastication.
Speech Slightly Affected: Minor lisp on certain words, common with dental crowding.
Self-Consciousness: Hesitated to smile broadly or appear in group photos.
Oral Hygiene Challenges: The crowded arrangement of his teeth made thorough brushing difficult, which eventually led to the development of cavities.
Diagnostic Methods
A comprehensive evaluation was carried out using modern diagnostic tools. These included:
Clinical Examination: Dr. Poonam Punjabi performed an initial visual and tactile inspection to assess alignment and bite.
Digital Intraoral Scanning: Offered a 3D view of Kaustubh’s dental arches to study crowding severity and tooth positioning.
OPG X-ray (Orthopantomogram): Provided a panoramic image to assess the jawbone, roots, and spacing.
Photographic Analysis: Helped track visible alignment issues and document before-and-after changes.
These tools collectively helped create a complete picture of Kaustubh’s dental structure and underlying functional issues.
Diagnosis
After reviewing the results, Dr. Poonam Punjabi diagnosed Kaustubh with Class I malocclusion with anterior crowding. This meant that while the molar bite was technically normal, the front teeth were misaligned, leading to poor esthetics and potential long-term complications such as enamel erosion and TMJ (jaw joint) strain.
The degree of crowding was moderate and did not require tooth extraction, making him an ideal candidate for orthodontic wire (braces) teeth straightening options.
Treatment Plan and Post-Surgery
Kaustubh’s treatment plan was carefully customized to his lifestyle and concerns. Dr. Punjabi and his team recommended:
Treatment Modality: Fixed orthodontic treatment using traditional braces (metal/ceramic brackets and wires) to gradually move and align the teeth into ideal positions.
Estimated Duration: Approximately 10 to 12 months, depending on the response to treatment and patient compliance.
Adjustment Visits: Frequency: Every 4 to 6 weeks Purpose: To monitor tooth movement, make wire adjustments, and manage any concerns such as discomfort, breakages, or hygiene.
Anchorage & Support: Use of elastics (rubber bands) or other anchorage devices as needed to improve bite correction. In some cases, bite turbos or power chains may be applied to enhance efficiency.
Oral Hygiene & Care:
- Kaustubh has been advised on maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment, including:
- Regular brushing and flossing around brackets and wires
- Avoiding sticky or hard foods to prevent damage
- Using orthodontic aids like interdental brushes and fluoride rinses
Mumbai’s prominent dental specialist Dr. Punjabi shares, “While this was not a surgical case, the procedure involved applying precision attachments and conducting interproximal reduction (mild enamel polishing) to create space. Throughout the process, Kaustubh was monitored with digital scans to ensure his progress aligned with projections. Adjustments were made mid-treatment to address minor bite shifts.”
Post-Treatment Guidelines
Post-aligner care was vital to preserving the results. Kaustubh was advised to:
Retention Phase (Post-Treatment): Upon completion, a retention plan will be implemented to maintain results, which may include: Fixed retainers (bonded wires behind teeth) Removable retainers to be worn as instructed
Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush and daily flossing to maintain gum health.
Avoid Hard Foods: Especially during retainer phase to prevent chipping.
Dental Visits: Scheduled follow-ups every 3–6 months for professional cleaning and monitoring.
Outcome
The results of the teeth straightening treatment exceeded Kaustubh’s expectations:
Improved Alignment: His teeth now sit harmoniously in the arch with proper spacing.
Enhanced Facial Symmetry: The realignment subtly lifted his cheek profile and balanced his smile.
Jaw Comfort: No more morning stiffness or chewing difficulty.
Speech Clarity: The earlier lisp was resolved.
Boost in Confidence: He now smiles more freely in professional and personal settings.
Long-Term Expectation
Dr. Punjabi explained the long-term outlook in simple terms:
Stable Results: With proper retainer use, Kaustubh’s alignment will remain intact for years.
Reduced Dental Risk: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing chances of decay or gum disease.
Functional Benefits: Better occlusion reduces wear and tear on enamel.
Smile Aesthetics: Improved appearance contributes to higher self-esteem and social ease.
Ongoing Monitoring: Annual reviews will ensure no relapse or unnoticed complications.
Patient Feedback
“My experience with Dental Krafts has been truly transformative. I had always felt that my teeth weren’t aligned properly, but I hesitated for years—partly out of fear and partly because of how braces might affect my daily life, especially since I deal with clients regularly.
But from the very first consultation, Dr. Poonam Punjabi made me feel completely at ease. she took the time to explain the wire braces treatment in detail, what to expect, and how it would improve not just my smile but also my overall dental health.
The process took time and commitment, but the support I received from the entire team made it manageable. They were always available to answer my questions, make adjustments, and ensure I was comfortable throughout the journey.
Now, with my braces off, I can confidently say it was all worth it. My teeth are properly aligned, my bite feels natural, and I smile without hesitation. I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Punjabi and the team for their expert care, patience, and encouragement throughout my orthodontic journey.”
– Kaustubh Mohite
This case study demonstrates how modern teeth straightening treatment using braces can deliver both cosmetic and functional improvements. Kaustubh’s transformation is a testament to the possibilities available today for people wondering how to straighten teeth effectively, even if it means a more traditional approach that still delivers powerful results.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.