01 Crooked Teeth
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, Periodontist & Implantologist
Crooked or overlapping teeth affect more than appearance, they can make cleaning harder, wear unevenly against each other, and in some cases contribute to jaw strain, which is why straightening is as much functional as cosmetic.
At Clarus Dental Specialities in Koregaon Park, crooked or misaligned teeth is planned and delivered directly by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, Pune's only US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist.
Patients usually choose this for: mild crowding overlapping front teeth a noticeably uneven smile teeth that shifted after losing a retainer
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Quick answer: Crooked or misaligned teeth can be straightened with traditional braces, clear aligners, or Invisalign, and the right option depends on how significant the misalignment is and your preferences around visibility and convenience. Beyond appearance, straightening matters because crowded or overlapping teeth are harder to clean thoroughly and can wear unevenly. In Koregaon Park, Pune, crooked teeth are assessed and treated directly by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, a US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist.
Before You Book
But if you want treatment backed by science and done by a US Board Certified Specialist, you're in the right chair.
02 Overview
Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces that are genuinely harder to clean effectively, even with careful brushing and flossing, which can increase the risk of decay and gum inflammation in those specific spots over time.
Misalignment can also cause uneven wear, some teeth taking more chewing force than they're built for, and in more significant cases, can contribute to jaw muscle strain from an uneven bite.
The right straightening approach depends on how significant the crowding or misalignment is, traditional braces handle a wide range of cases, while clear aligners or Invisalign suit milder to moderate cases with less visibility.
03 Urgency
Almost any degree of misalignment can be treated, the question is really about timing and priorities.
04 Background
A toothbrush and floss are designed to clean relatively even, accessible surfaces. When teeth overlap or crowd together, they create tight spots where plaque accumulates even with genuinely careful home care, simply because the bristles and floss can't fully reach the tightest overlaps.
Over years, this uneven cleaning access can mean a higher rate of decay and gum inflammation specifically in the crowded areas, compared to teeth that are more evenly spaced and accessible.
This is why straightening is often framed as much as a preventive, functional decision as a cosmetic one, evening out the spacing genuinely makes those teeth easier to keep healthy long-term, not just better-looking.
05 Causes
The right option is matched to how significant the misalignment is and your preferences.
Handles the widest range of cases, from mild crowding to complex bite corrections.
Removable, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift teeth for milder to moderate cases.
A well-known clear aligner system with precise, trackable treatment planning.
06 Diagnosis
Your teeth, bite, and jaw are assessed to understand the specific type and degree of misalignment.
Visibility, treatment time, and specific goals all factor into choosing the right approach.
A recommendation is made based on your case complexity and preferences.
Whichever option is chosen, the process and expected timeline are explained clearly upfront.
Regular visits track progress and keep treatment moving as planned.
07 Cost Factors
Cost depends on individual case factors and is discussed only after examination, once the following are known:
A specific estimate is only meaningful after a clinical evaluation. This section is informational and is not a quotation.
If orthodontic treatment has already been recommended elsewhere and you'd like another perspective, Dr. Neel is available to review your case and discuss the options.
08 During Treatment
Mild discomfort as teeth begin moving is normal in the first few days of a new appliance or aligner.
For aligners, wearing them as directed each day is what keeps treatment on schedule.
Braces in particular need more deliberate cleaning technique around brackets and wires.
A retainer is worn as directed after treatment to hold the new position.
09 Self-Care Limits
Being upfront about the trade-offs matters:
10 Your Visit
Your visit includes an examination and imaging to understand your specific misalignment, followed by an honest discussion of which straightening option, braces, clear aligners, or Invisalign, best fits your case and priorities.
11 Why This Clinic
BDS (Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai) · Postgraduate periodontology training, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA · Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology (2008) · ITI Fellow, International Team for Implantology (2009)
Straightening teeth moves them through living gum and bone, which is exactly why having Pune's only US Board Certified Periodontist and Implantologist, and one of only two in India, involved matters for the health side of the process.
Tooth movement is planned with the tissue carrying it in mind.
Braces, clear aligners, and Invisalign are all offered under one roof.
The option suggested matches your case, not a default push toward one product.
The only dental clinic in Pune listed by the US Consulate Mumbai.
Patients can also read independent reviews on Google and Practo.
12 Visit Us
This dentist and dental clinic in Koregaon Park also treats patients from nearby areas of Pune. See the full Koregaon Park clinic page →
13 International Patients
Clarus Dental Specialities is the only dental clinic in Pune listed by the US Consulate Mumbai, and Dr. Neel holds a dual US-India dental license, giving NRI and overseas patients confidence in the standard of cosmetic dental care available here.
Orthodontic treatment spans months, so an initial evaluation during a visit to Pune, followed by periodic check-ins, is a realistic way to plan treatment around travel.
14 FAQ
Adults benefit from orthodontic treatment just as effectively as teenagers, age alone doesn't rule it out.
It varies by case complexity, from several months for mild crowding to two years or more for complex cases.
Both, straightened teeth are genuinely easier to clean thoroughly, which reduces decay and gum disease risk in crowded areas.
For mild to moderate cases, yes, more complex cases often still need traditional braces for the range of movement required.
Without wearing a retainer as directed afterward, some shifting can occur over time.
Yes, active decay or gum disease is generally addressed first, before orthodontic movement begins.
This depends on your specific case complexity, discussed and recommended at an examination rather than a personal preference alone.
1. Clinical literature on malocclusion, oral hygiene access, and orthodontic outcomes, indexed on PubMed Central. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc
2. Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar's peer-reviewed publications, indexed on PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Medically reviewed by Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar, BDS, Periodontist & Implantologist · Last updated: 29 September 2026 · Next review: March 2027. This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person clinical evaluation.
Call or WhatsApp the clinic directly to ask questions or set up a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar.
15 Related Treatments
The general overview of how braces work.
A removable, discreet straightening option.
A well-known clear aligner system.
Specialist care
Related concerns
This page provides general dental information and does not constitute a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical advice. Outcomes vary by individual case. No specific results, costs, or timelines are guaranteed. Please consult Dr. Neel Bhatavadekar or a qualified specialist for advice specific to your condition.