Who is a candidate for accelerated orthodontics

If you’re an adult considering orthodontics for cosmetic reasons, accelerated orthodontics is a way to achieve a great smile in far less time than traditional braces. Many adults are choosing this solution as a way to speed up the process and avoid two or three years with braces. Accelerated orthodontics is effective in most cases where orthodontics is the recommended solution to correcting your front teeth for a terrific smile. Accelerated orthodontics should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist along with options such as porcelain veneers and tooth bonding.

About the accelerated orthodontic procedure

The accelerated orthodontic procedure involves a team of dental specialists that have been specifically trained in accelerated orthodontics. There is minor in-office procedure in addition to conventional orthodontic treatment. Techniques to “slim” or reduce the widths of your teeth provide the space needed to correct any crowding of your teeth. This also may reduce the need for extractions.

Accelerated orthodontics can involve some periodontal surgery within about a week after your braces are placed. Done under a local anesthesia, the procedure itself creates no more discomfort than your regular dental cleanings. You will feel minor discomfort for a few days following the procedure, but it is overall less painful than traditional orthodontics. It is common to have an itching sensation in your gums initially as your teeth are moving much faster than with traditional dental braces.

You will have regular and frequent follow-up visits with your doctor as you would with traditional braces to check for any adjustments that may need to be made. Your doctor may suggest a retainer to be worn periodically afterwards to keep your teeth in their new position.

About the costs of accelerated orthodontics

Accelerated orthodontics involves a team of people specially trained for this treatment. As such, the cost will vary depending on your region and the fees charged by the specialists. Typically the cost of accelerated orthodontics is similar to traditional braces, but with the benefit of speeding up the correction of your teeth. Lingual braces, those mounted behind your teeth, will add to the cost. Many insurance companies only cover a portion or do not cover accelerated orthodontics. Be sure to speak with your insurance company to see if you would have any coverage for this procedure.

Advantages and disadvantages of accelerated orthodontics

Advantages of accelerated orthodontics
The biggest advantage is the three to eight months it takes to have a great smile, versus one to three years with traditional braces. Your teeth are assisted in moving faster with little loss of either root or bone support as with previous methods.

Disadvantages of accelerated orthodontics
If crowding is an issue, your teeth will need to be altered and “slimmed down” to create the needed room. Accelerated orthodontics is relatively new and requires special training for the doctors. This may make it difficult to find a doctor who has been trained in accelerated orthodontics until the procedure becomes more common.

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