Luckily, there is hope. If you are growing impatient with the process and just want to get those babies off, there are some ways you can speed up the process and get your braces off quicker. Check out the latest in accelerated orthodontics:
They not only help your teeth move faster, but they help your mouth adjust to the braces as well. Ask your orthodontist about Propel Chairside Excellator and AcceleDent and see if he or she offers a free consultation.
Propel Chairside Excellerator
Propel Chairside Excellerator is a simple procedure that is done in the orthodontist’s office. It accelerates bone metabolism so that your teeth can move into their new positions more easily, shaving some time off your treatment.
Ask your orthodontist if this treatment can be done during your normal orthodontic appointments or if you have to schedule a separate appointment to get it done.
AcceleDent
AcceleDent is an FDA-cleared device that can be used at home in addition to your braces and aligners to stimulate the bone remodeling needed to reposition your teeth.
How it works is that you use it to apply a gentle pressure to your teeth at different angles to speed up the bone remodeling process. You use it just 20 minutes a day to start seeing results. AcceleDent is only available by prescription so ask your orthodontist if you are a good candidate for this accelerated treatment.
The key to the success of AcceleDent is its SoftPulse Technology which facilities the tooth movement process by applying consistent gentle pressure to the teeth via micropulses. This light force will cause the teeth move faster, accelerating the bone remodeling process.
The device is lightweight and easy to use. It consists of a mouthpiece that can be fitted around your braces or aligners and a hands-free device. You just insert the mouthpiece around your braces or aligners and wear it for 20 minutes daily.
Another unique feature of the device is that it keeps track of your usage, not only how many session, but how many minutes each session. Your orthodontist will use this data to adjust your treatment as needed.
AcceleDent was first made available in the United States in 2012 and is only available by prescription from your orthodontist.
Minor Oral Surgery
Your orthodontist can also perform minor oral surgery to shave the gums and bones to allow the teeth to shift more easily. Of course, even minor surgery, is a big commitment so weigh all your options carefully.
Unfortunately, the cost of accelerating your orthodontic treatment is an additional fee to your braces or Invisalign aligners and it is not covered by most insurance companies. AcceleDent can run you around $800 to $900.
If you have the extra money though, it will be worth the investment when you can show off your straighter, more beautiful smile a lot quicker than with just regular orthodontic treatment.
To ensure you are making the best decision for your individual situation, sit down with your orthodontist and discuss all the pros and cons of Acceledent and other accelerated orthodontics. It is a big investment so you will want to have all the facts before making a final decision.
Keep in mind also that there are less invasive ways to speed up the process as well. For instance, always following your orthodontist’s instructions can also get your braces off quicker. Try these tips:
- Follow food restrictions. If you are a gold medal athlete in gum chewing or have a big sweet tooth, then the dietary restrictions that come with braces are probably really weighing in on you. While munching on some hard candy or gummy bears once in a while might not seem like a big deal, it can have a big impact on your treatment. You are told not to eat these foods because they can bend your wires and even pull your teeth in the wrong direction. A simple mistake like this can prolong your treatment which is exactly what you don’t want.
- Wear those elastic bands. If your orthodontist gave you elastic bands to help speed up the straightening process, then make sure you wear them when you are instructed too! While they take some getting used to and might seem more fun as a projectile across the room than in your mouth, your orthodontist gave them to you for a good reason. Make sure you wear them at all times except when eating. Avoid playing with them and taking them in and out. That is a surefire way to lose them. It is also very easy to forget to put them back in at night when you are ready for bed so try to make it a part of your routine. If you don’t wear them every day, they are not going to be able to do their job, which is to transform your smile as quickly as possible.
- Don’t skip out on appointments. Finding time for your regular dentist appointments can be such a bear that adding in the more frequent orthodontist appointments may seem like an impossibility. It is important though that you make these appointments a priority in your schedule and that you don’t miss any of them. When you miss an appointment, you are setting back your treatment by weeks or months. Of course sometimes an emergency happens and you have no choice but to reschedule. In those incidences, make your new appointment as soon as possible to keep any delay to a minimum.
- Keep up with proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth can be a little more difficult with a mouth full of brackets and wires so you need to put in extra effort to cleaning your teeth. Food particles and bacteria can get stuck between the braces and your teeth and can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Ask your orthodontist about tools you can use to get a better clean with braces. An electric toothbrush might be a wise investment at this time. The healthier your mouth, the faster your teeth will realign. If you want to get your braces off quicker, it is crucial that you pay extra attention to your oral hygiene every day.
- Be gentle with your teeth. Your teeth are put under a lot of pressure during the straightening process as it is, so it is important that you avoid any bad habits that cause any undue pressure like biting down hard on your teeth and grinding them. Some people have a nervous habit of doing this and it causes extra wear and tear on your teeth. If you notice that you do this, try relaxing your jaw when you feel it tightening up. If it happens a lot when you are sleeping, talk to your orthodontist about ways to prevent it.
For more information about accelerated orthodontics and other ways to get your braces off quicker, contact Orthodontics Limited.
