What is Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated orthodontics refers to treatments that speed up the lengthy process of straightening teeth. Adults and children alike are often concerned about how long they will have to wear braces. On average, it takes 18 months to two years to complete orthodontic treatment. In complex cases, it may take up to three years.
One form of accelerated orthodontics entails jaw surgery before braces are fitted, particularly in cases of serious bite issues or jaw misalignment.
Another type of accelerated orthodontics is offered by the AcceleDent system of shortening the time you need to wear braces. A fast-track method of getting your teeth straightened with less discomfort, AcceleDent boasts multiple hi-tech features and a lightweight mouthpiece designed for easy use at home. AcceleDent can benefit both surgical and non-surgical orthodontic patients.
HOW DOES ACCELEDENT WORK?
One of the ways that orthodontics works is by remodeling the bones surrounding your teeth. When this process is accelerated, your teeth move faster. Micro pulses can speed up bone remodeling and tooth movement.
AcceleDent uses patented SoftPulse technology to create micro pulses that are precisely calibrated. These tiny vibrations, which exert far less force than a powered toothbrush, apply consistent gentle pressure that’s transmitted through tooth roots into supporting bone, speeding up realignment of your teeth into their correct position.
You use your customized AcceleDent mouthpiece – which fits comfortably around your braces – for just 20 minutes a day. Clinical trials show that AcceleDent can help your braces to reposition teeth 50 percent faster and reduce discomfort by more than 70 percent.
Your AcceleDent device keeps track of how many times you use it and for how many minutes each session. Your orthodontist will use this information to adjust your treatment as necessary.
Although AcceleDent is an innovation in orthodontics, vibration therapy dates from the 1800s. Today, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) kits out astronauts with vibration plates to prevent bone and muscle deterioration in space.
The AcceleDent system consists of four parts:
- A mouthpiece connected to an activator.
- The activator itself, which generates the micro pulses.
- Recharging port (one charge should last for five 20-minute sessions).
- Travel shell to keep the device safe when you’re on the move.
BENEFITS OF THE ACCELEDENT SYSTEM OF ACCELERATED ORTHODONTICS
Besides accelerating your orthodontic treatment and making it more comfortable, AcceleDent offers many other benefits.
Shortened treatment time can mean fewer trips to your orthodontist and lessen the risk of cavities and gum infection associated with the difficulties of maintaining good oral hygiene when wearing braces.
Other advantages of AcceleDent include:
- A non-surgical and non-invasive method of making orthodontics more efficient – all you feel when using AcceleDent is a tingling sensation.
- Speeding up your orthodontic therapy from the comfort of your own home.
- Hands-free system that allows you to continue everyday activities such as reading, watching TV, browsing the internet or doing schoolwork.
- A safe way to speed up orthodontic treatment – approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- A versatile appliance that can be used to accelerate most orthodontic treatments, including braces and plastic aligners like Invisalign.
- Easy maintenance – clean with tepid water and brush the mouthpiece occasionally.
AcceleDent can also help you to complete your orthodontic therapy in time for a special occasion that you want to look your best for.
ACCELEDENT COMBINED WITH JAW SURGERY
Jaw surgery – also known as orthognathic surgery – corrects abnormalities of the jaw to realign it., which improves the bite function. It generally involves surgical plates or wires and screws.
The Journal of Clinical Orthodontics1 has published results of its research into a combination of jaw surgery before fixed-braces treatment and AcceleDent during therapy. It found that predicted treatment time was cut by a third – from more than 22 months to less than 15 months.
HOW YOUR ORTHODONTIST CAN HELP YOU SPEED UP YOUR BRACES TREATMENT
Besides jaw surgery and AcceleDent, there’s another way to speed up your orthodontic treatment – simply by following your orthodontist’s advice. Orthodontist specialists are experts in their field, having undergone extensive specialized training after dental school.
Wearing fixed braces can make oral hygiene difficult. Your orthodontist can tell you how to brush and floss effectively during your treatment. This is important because a healthy mouth responds better to orthodontic treatment.
Your orthodontist can also advise you on foods that are best avoided during orthodontic treatment while still maintaining a healthy braces-friendly diet.
To ensure you get the most from accelerated orthodontics, it’s imperative to wear your retainer as instructed after your braces are removed. Failing to do this can result in your teeth shifting back out of their proper position.
WHO MAKES ACCELEDENT APPLIANCES?
AcceleDent appliances are made by Houston-based global dental device company OrthoAccel Technologies.
The accelerated orthodontics system got off to a flying start, with the first AcceleDent patient completing their orthodontic therapy in 42 weeks – less than half of the estimated 24-month original treatment plan.
AcceleDent has been available in the U.S. since 2012 by prescription from an orthodontist.
FINANCING FOR ACCELEDENT TREATMENT
Corrective jaw surgery that accelerates orthodontic treatment is typically classed as a procedure that’s necessary on medical grounds, and therefore some health insurance policies will cover at least part of the cost.
Accelerated orthodontic treatments like AcceleDent are not covered by most insurance companies. However, AcceleDent may be covered by a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Healthcare Savings Account (HSA). Alternatively, ask your orthodontist about affordable payment plans2 and in-house financing to fit your budget.
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ACCELERATED ORTHODONTICS?
AcceleDent brings about faster repositioning of your teeth without compromising the end result – an attractive, healthy smile – and it can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
While AcceleDent can shorten treatment time in many orthodontic cases, it’s not suitable for some complicated issues.
To find out whether treatment like AcceleDent3 is right for you, talk to an orthodontist who keeps up to speed with the latest developments in dental technology and accelerated orthodontics.
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