At the University of Toronto, he was valedictorian of his dental school class. After dental school, Dr. Shah completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Next, he completed his orthodontic specialty at the University of Manitoba, where he was awarded a masters degree in orthodontics. Dr. Shah enjoys keeping up on the latest advancements in orthodontics and is involved with many professional associations including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Illinois Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, and the Midwestern Society of Orthodontists. Outside the office, Dr. Shah enjoys spending family time with his wife who is a native Chicagoan. He is a huge fan of exercise and sports. He is a proud supporter of all Chicago teams, especially the Chicago Bears. Dr. Shah offers complimentary orthodontic evaluations.

Dr. Chirag Parikh grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, but has lived in various parts of the country since high school. He graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. After high school, he attended Washington University in St. Louis where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Biology. Before attending dental school, Dr. Parikh served in AmeriCorps for the Schuler Scholar Program in Waukegan, IL.

Dr. Parikh received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. That same year, he began his orthodontic training at Saint Louis University. In 2016, he completed his training, receiving his Certificate of Orthodontics and Master of Science in Dentistry.

In his free time, Dr. Parikh enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a huge Chicago sports fan and was overjoyed when the Cubs finally won it all. He also likes to travel and try out new restaurants. In summer, he enjoys playing tennis and golf with his dad..

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of the teeth and bone that supports the teeth, and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

Am I too old for orthodontics? There is no age limit for orthodontics. Orthodontics can successfully realign crooked teeth or a protruding overbite regardless of your age.Why should I be concerned about a bad bite? Restorations, crowns or bridges are often difficult for a dentist to provide without prior repositioning of the teeth by an orthodontist. Properly aligned and supported teeth are healthier, easier to clean and, therefore, more likely to last throughout a patient's lifetime.Can my appearance be improved? Yes! Dramatic changes in a person's smile and profile can be achieved. A person can actually look years younger by straightening crooked teeth or correcting an excessive overbite or an underbite. A beautiful smile can increase self-confidence and, in turn, a sense of well being.

It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age seven to advise if orthodontic treatment is required, and the best time for a patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a correct position. This is a great time to wear braces. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients. Sometimes different orthodontic appliances are needed, along with braces, depending on the individual needs for orthodontic treatment.

The rapid palatal expander is used to expand the palate (roof of mouth). Expansion begins when the patient or parent turns the expansion screw with a special key. This causes the appliance to move apart and, in turn, widen the palate.

Orthodontic correction can vary from the comparatively simple closing of spaces between teeth in a few months to the extensive realignment of crooked teeth. Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may vary from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as little as six months.