The Orthodontics Expert: Dr. Dipen Patel Of Ten Dental+Facial / By Ina Yulo Stuve 

In 2024, the global orthodontics industry was valued at $21.2 billion with cosmetic dentistry forecasted to reach $89 billion by 2030. Dental care has shifted from being a hygienic necessity to a status-driven investment, with high-net-worth individuals seeking out the most in-demand experts to optimise their smiles.

“Orthodontics sits right at the core of smile design and cosmetic dentistry,” explains Dr Dipen Patel, a specialist orthodontist at Ten Dental+Facial, an award-winning clinic with branches across South London.

I visited their Clapham branch for a session with one of their hygienists, who gave me a routine clean and talked me through some of the concerns I had with my bite and teeth staining due to coffee and wine drinking.

Invisalign is a product that I’ve been really curious about and I was pleased to hear that Ten Dental+Facial’s team are experts in the treatment and are able to craft bespoke treatment plans for all of their patients.

“Modern aligner systems like Invisalign are so discreet that patients feel comfortable and confident wearing them. Straightening teeth and improving bites improves long-term function, chewing, and oral health.

In many cases, orthodontics enhances cosmetics so effectively that patients can avoid much more invasive procedures like porcelain veneers,” explains Dr. Patel.

“I first became aware of Ten Dental+Facial during my orthodontic training because they had won numerous awards, had great visibility, and had a prestigious reputation,” says Dr. Patel.

“When the opportunity to join the team came a few years later, I was delighted. I was impressed by the professionalism of the team and the clinicians’ high level of skill and dedication as well as their patient-centred approach.”

For LLM, I speak with Dr Patel about how the field of orthodontics has evolved in recent years and the at-home tool that he thinks is worth the hype.

What was the first thing that attracted you to a career in dentistry and eventually find your calling as an orthodontist?

I had orthodontic treatment as a teenager and it made a lasting impression on me. I actually enjoyed going to the appointments because the team were all really happy and friendly. The treatment helped transform my smile and self-confidence and so I wanted to help others experience the same.

The world of orthodontics has changed drastically over the past two decades, especially with the introduction of Invisalign. Could you tell me more about how a patient’s journey with braces would look like now compared to if they had them when they were younger?

The journey is far more comfortable with the advent of Invisalign and digital dentistry. Firstly, we use digital scanners rather than messy putty impressions to take the initial moulds of your teeth.

For some patients, traditional braces may still be the best option, however for many patients, discreet systems like Invisalign work really well. These fit in better with lifestyle, comfort, and reduce the frequency of in-person visits.

It’s given patients the choice to improve their smile without feeling self-conscious about visible braces.

Are there any new technologies or treatments that are changing the way you work?

Digital scanning and 3D printing have been absolute game changers in recent years. They’ve made taking moulds a more pleasant experience for patients. Digital scanning is a more accurate and efficient process and it’s great because we can now make predictably well-fitted retainers more quickly, so teeth don’t have time to move after the braces come off.

High-net-worth individuals and celebrities have turned to cosmetic dental work to help achieve a polished and sophisticated look. Why do you believe this trend has really taken off?

Research has shown that your smile can influence how you are perceived – this includes attractiveness, social status, and overall health. With the constant presence of social media, and more recently with AI-enhanced images, people are more aware of the impact of having a beautiful smile and there is now an expectation that it should look great in photos too.

What are some of the common mistakes you’ve seen people make when it comes to dental hygiene?

I always recommend patients use floss or TePe brushes daily. This can often be forgotten in our busy schedules! Visiting a dental hygienist regularly is really important, especially during braces or Invisalign treatment as hygienist airflow polishing is great for removing stubborn staining.

Are there any high-end brands or at-home tools that you think are worth the hype?

I have no financial interest in the product, but I’ve been genuinely impressed by the Zima dental pods. Patients often struggle to keep their retainers clean and free from chalky build-up and the retainers of patients who are using the pods consistently look fresh and new, even months later!

Have you noticed any changes in client preferences over the years when it comes to the type of smile they want to achieve?

Yes, some patients ask for a very flat and wide smile rather than a more natural, curved smile. I often hear requests for a ‘Margot Robbie’ type smile. My approach is to design a smile in a way that fits and complements a patient’s facial features. Every smile is unique and bespoke to the individual.

As a keen traveller, where are you off to on your next holiday?

I love travelling and exploring new places and cultures! I recently got back from South America and attended the World Orthodontic Conference in Rio, Brazil. I’m off to Dubai next for some winter sun, and I also have a foodie holiday planned next summer in San Sebastian.

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