For millennia, orthodontist treatment timelines have been lengthy and time consuming. For many, this is a major deterrent to seeking the treatment they desire. But there is hope: a new field of treatment called accelerated orthodontics has made it possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time that traditional methods take, without compromising quality.
What Is Accelerated Orthodontics?
An emerging hot topic in orthodontics, accelerated orthodontics uses techniques to shorten the timeline of treatment without compromising aesthetics, comfort, or stability. It combines both non-invasive and surgical modalities with conventional braces or clear aligners to stimulate faster tooth movement. Non-invasive accelerated orthodontic treatments utilize micro-vibrations delivered through a mouthpiece to activate bone remodeling and accelerate tooth movement, while surgical accelerated orthodontic techniques reshape the jawbone to trigger faster movement.
One popular option for accelerating orthodontic treatment is the lingual fixed appliance system, or LFAS. This method affixes small metal brackets to the back of each adult tooth, where they are visible when smiling. A mouthpiece is worn for 20 minutes each day, and these tiny vibrations stimulate bone growth to speed up tooth movement. This type of accelerated orthodontics is FDA-approved and considered safe for adults when used as directed.
Other accelerated orthodontics include the minimally invasive corticotomy procedure, which involves a minor surgery to reshape the upper and lower jawbones, and light-accelerated orthodontics (LAO), which uses low-intensity infrared light to activate and promote the healing process for faster tooth movement. Patients who are candidates for accelerated orthodontics typically have mild crowding or spacing issues and do not suffer from severe malocclusions. Those who smoke or are in poor oral health may not qualify, as they are at a greater risk of gum damage, root resorption, and other complications as a result of the rapid movement of their teeth.