Orthodontics in Pakistan has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the recent decade, indicating an increasing awareness and focus on oral health and teeth straightening options across age groups.
Delving into some crucial statistics of the field – as we’ve done here – sheds light on the advancements, obstacles, and trends that shape orthodontic care within the country.
But before we go further, a grounding definition:
Orthodontics, a distinct branch of dentistry, specifically deals with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
It is a specialized health/aesthetics occupation that demands additional training and certification post-dental school (cutting-edge accreditations that we at ClearPath Ortho have pioneered in offering in Pakistan).
The impact of orthodontics extends beyond enhancing one’s smile, significantly contributing to improved oral health and functionality.
For those intrigued by the domain, understanding the local landscape can offer valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges that lie in wait – as well as its forecasted trajectory.
Now, off to the figures.
There are more than 500 certified orthodontists in Pakistan
The PAO (Pakistan Association of Orthodontists) stands as a professional body advocating for the progression of orthodontics by ‘fostering continuous education, conducting research, upholding ethical standards, and enhancing public awareness’.
According to the PAO:
To date, there are more than 500 orthodontists who have completed their postgraduate training and are registered members of the association.
Additionally, the organization hosts a biennial international conference, serving as a stage to present the latest developments and innovations within the field.
The prevalence of malocclusion in the country is high!
Malocclusion is the term used to describe any deviation from the normal alignment of the teeth and jaws. It can affect the appearance, function and health of your mouth.
This misalignment is usually classified into the following different types (all of which we treat at CPO!):
- Spacing
- Rotations
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Crowding
- Overbite
According to a study by Khan et al. (2020):
The prevalence of malocclusion in Pakistan is quite high, affecting about 70% of the population – with the most common types being crowding (40%), spacing (30%), and overjet (20%).
The study also found that malocclusion is more prevalent among females than males and among urban over rural demographics.
Malocclusion can have negative impacts on your oral health and quality of life
These may include:
- Difficulty in chewing, speaking, and breathing
- Increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss
- Reduced facial aesthetics and attractiveness
- Lower self-confidence and self-esteem
- Higher psychological stress and anxiety
A study conducted in 2019 found that the prevalence of malocclusion among Pakistani adults was around 40%, with crowding being the most common type.
Access to Care
Access to orthodontic care in Pakistan has definitely seen some improvements, but there are still noticeable gaps.
Recent data from the Journal of the Pakistan Dental Association reveals an interesting fact:
About 90% of the population deals with malocclusion or misaligned teeth.
Surprisingly (or not!), only a small fraction of these individuals actually pursue orthodontic treatment.
The demand for orthodontic treatment is increasing in Pakistan
The desire for orthodontic treatment in Pakistan is on the rise, particularly among young adults and women.
There’s a noticeable increase in patients looking for treatments that not only fix dental problems but also provide a subtle and visually pleasing solution.
This preference is evident in the inclination towards clear aligners over traditional braces.
The move towards more aesthetically pleasing solutions is influenced, in part, by societal considerations, where individuals prefer treatments that don’t significantly alter their appearance.
An orthodontist practicing in Lahore affirms:
“Patients, especially young adults, are increasingly interested in clear aligners due to their almost invisible appearance and convenience.”
According to a survey by Khan et al. (2019):
60% of the study respondents expressed a desire for orthodontic treatment, mainly for aesthetic reasons.
The survey also found that about 40% of the respondents were dissatisfied with their dental appearance, and about 30% reported being teased or bullied because of their teeth!
The increasing desire for orthodontic treatment in the country mirrors the growing understanding and recognition of its advantages among the public.
It also indicates the evolving social norms and expectations concerning dental aesthetics and beauty standards.
A survey conducted in 2018 found that 62% of Pakistani adults were dissatisfied with their dental appearance, and 54% were willing to undergo orthodontic treatment.
The supply of orthodontists is drastically low (and demand high)
The supply of orthodontists in Pakistan is low compared to the demand and need for orthodontic treatment.
According to a report by Shaikh et al. (2018) – also alluded to above:
There are only about 500 registered orthodontists in Pakistan, serving a population of over 200 million people. This means that there is only one orthodontist for every 400,000 people, which is far below the recommended ratio of one orthodontist for every 100,000 people.
The low prevalence of orthodontists in Pakistan is due to several factors
These primarily include:
- Lack of adequate training and education opportunities for aspiring practitioners
- Lack of recognition and regulation of the orthodontic specialty by the dental council
- Lack of incentives and support for practicing orthodontists
- Lack of access and affordability of orthodontic services for the public
Technological Advancements and Treatment Options
Technological progress has completely transformed orthodontic treatments in Pakistan.
The advent of 3D printing and digital imaging has empowered orthodontists to create highly precise and personalized treatment strategies.
As a result, innovative solutions like ClearPath Ortho’s clear aligners have emerged, offering a more comfortable and convenient alternative to traditional braces.
Dr. Ali Raza, a dental technology expert, states:
“Technological advancements have allowed for the production of clear aligners that are tailored to each patient, ensuring a more precise and efficient treatment process.”
Educational Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns
In recent years, there have been ongoing initiatives to boost awareness about the importance of orthodontic care through different educational programs in the country.
Dental associations and orthodontic societies frequently organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars. Their goal is to educate both the public and healthcare professionals about the crucial significance of oral health.
Dr. Sara Ahmed, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Orthodontic Society, emphasizes:
“Educational programs are crucial in empowering individuals to understand the impact of orthodontic health on overall well-being and fostering a culture of preventive care.”
The satisfaction rate of orthodontic patients in Pakistan is high
Orthodontic patients in Pakistan have generally expressed a high level of satisfaction and have reported positive outcomes and experiences with their treatment.
This remarkable approval rate mirrors the immense benefits and value orthodontic treatments offer in enhancing both smiles and overall quality of life.
In a sense, it’s a testament to the professionalism and proficiency of orthodontists in Pakistan who diligently strive to deliver top-quality and effective orthodontic services for their patients.
According to a recent study (2017):
About 90% of the patients were satisfied with their dental appearance, function, and health after orthodontic treatment. Also, about 80% were satisfied with their treatment duration, cost, and provider.
Clear aligners have become a top choice for orthodontic treatment in Pakistan
Clear aligners are essentially transparent plastic trays that snugly fit over your teeth, gently guiding them into the desired position.
They offer the advantage of being both removable and discreet, ensuring comfort and hygiene throughout treatment.
What’s more?
These aligners are custom-made to perfectly match your teeth and treatment plan.
Their versatility extends to treating pretty much all kinds of malocclusion.
ClearPath Ortho is fully in sync with global industry best practices
ClearPath Ortho stands not only as a trailblazer (a pioneer) in the realm of clear aligners in Pakistan but also as a regional frontrunner in pushing orthodontic innovation and education.
Our clear aligners are among the most transparent and speediest teeth straighteners in the market, built using cutting-edge 3D CAD/CAM tech, and boast an average treatment time of 6 to 12 months 🙌!
So, if you’ve been looking for a no-nonsense dental correction solution without anyone ever noticing how you’ve managed to secure legit Hollywood-level teeth, here’s your stop 🤓.
To make a booking or learn more about our ClearPath aligners, simply fill out the form below ✍ – and our friendly customer service reps will get you started.
