In the public’s imagination, orthodontic treatment often calls to mind awkward adolescents sporting a mouth full of metal braces, all in pursuit of a perfect smile. Dr. Sheema Samarrae, an accomplished dentist with international credentials and a penchant for lifelong learning, aims to change that narrative.
With her clinic, The Teal Umbrella, achieving Invisalign Platinum status in Ottawa, Dr. Samarrae addresses the myriad misconceptions surrounding orthodontic treatments for both children and adults.
More Than Just Aesthetics
For many, orthodontics equates to a cosmetic procedure, a luxury investment designed to yield a picture-perfect smile. However, Dr. Samarrae emphatically states, “Dentistry is more than just cleaning your teeth; a lot of things start in your mouth. Orthodontic treatment isn’t solely for straightening teeth; it’s a comprehensive approach to oral health that also focuses on balancing the bite and distributing forces evenly across all teeth.”
Why Orthodontics Matters
Misaligned teeth are more than just unsightly; they can result in significant wear and attrition over time. Dr. Samarrae explains, “Balanced bites help eliminate unnecessary wear, attrition, and pain. It’s like sewing a shirt; you have to stitch everything right for the garment to wear well over time. The same applies to your teeth.”
Moreover, aligned teeth allow for easier flossing and cleaning between teeth, which is crucial for cavity prevention and overall oral health. “Teeth are like cars; you can wash them to make them look pretty, but in the end, you’ll have to make sure they’re in good health overall,” Dr. Samarrae advises.
Technology’s Role in Dispelling Myths
Advancements in dental technology have helped patients gain a better understanding of the full spectrum of orthodontic care. Dr. Samarrae’s clinic uses digital scanners that can capture a comprehensive picture of a patient’s dental alignment in just minutes. “As a patient, when you see your entire jaw and teeth alignment on a screen in full color, the need for treatment becomes clear,” she points out.
Affordable Treatment Plans: Bridging the Financial Gap
Understanding that cost is often the biggest hurdle for patients considering orthodontic treatment, Dr. Sheema Samarrae has made it a priority to address this issue head-on in her practice. She knows that the price tag can scare people off, even when they’re fully aware they need the treatment. That’s why her clinic offers a variety of payment plans, including in-house and third-party financing options. But she doesn’t stop there. Dr. Samarrae and her team also help patients sift through their insurance plans to maximize any available benefits for their treatment. By tackling the financial side of things so directly, she’s aiming to shift the conversation away from the cost and back to where she believes it should be: the long-term benefits of taking care of your oral health. In doing so, she’s opening doors for more people to access the high-quality orthodontic care they need.
A Beacon for Education
Dr. Samarrae’s dedication extends to the wider dental community, where she mentors and trains fellow dentists, particularly in the field of implant and restorative dentistry. Her implant training course is an example of her commitment to education. “If you get into the dental space, you need to have a passion for it and love what you do. The dentistry field changes day and night, and if you do not innovate, learn, and improve, you’ll be left behind,” she warns.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Samarrae has grand plans for the future, with more plans and efforts to help more patients and train dentists. This mission fits her philosophy: “Helping other dentists create the same experience I’ve been creating has been one of my motivations. Educating them on how more advanced treatments can be crucial for patients helps them do their jobs more effectively.”
Final Thoughts
It’s time to reset our collective understanding of orthodontic treatment, seeing it not just as a path to an aesthetically pleasing smile, but as a comprehensive approach to lasting oral health.
As Dr. Sheema Samarrae’s work makes clear, we need to reframe our conversations and education around this issue. The stakes are not just cosmetic, they are foundational to overall health and well-being.
For more information on Dr. Sheema Samarrae’s practice and her approach to orthodontic treatments, visit The Teal Umbrella or her Implant Training Course.
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