Acceledent®, for Accelerated Orthodontics

Can you guess the number one question most of my patients ask me when they finally decide to go ahead with braces or Invisalign? They want to know when they can get them off! I don’t take it personally; in fact, that would be my first question as well. Typically the answer to that question is just under two years (24 months), but luckily we have some new technology coming in straight from our friends at NASA that can actually cut that time in half. Our new Acceledent micropulse technology has shown to be able to move teeth 50 percent faster.

Okay, so maybe we didn’t get it shipped directly from NASA, but the micropulse technology was something that was birthed from the space program. Doctors were noticing that when astronauts would return from extended time in orbit, the lack of gravity would cause their bones to decrease in density at a rapid rate. In an effort to thwart this side effect of zero gravity, scientist developed a device which used micropulses to help simulate the effects of actual gravity. After they saw how well it worked with astronauts, doctors then began testing the effects of micropulses on other types of ailments. Doctors found they were able to use the treatment to heal bones faster following fractures or surgeries.

It was soon discovered that by using these pulses, we could manipulate the movement of teeth faster and more efficiently within the jaw. The pulses actually cause the bone at the base of the tooth to metabolize faster. This means that the teeth can move easier because that bone at the base of the tooth is actually undergoing thousands of microscopic fractures. The vibrations allow the bone to recruit repairing agents more quickly, so those fractures are being healed rapidly. This process of metabolization within the bone is similar to what we understand about the body metabolizing food—we break down food which creates energy. When your bones break down, the body is able to repair them.

The treatment itself is extremely easy. Patients bite down on the mouthpiece attached to the device for twenty minutes a day. Many who use the device do so while watching TV or checking their emails. Another benefit that patients reported was decreases in sensitivity compared to normal treatment. While Acceledent is considered a premium service, it only cost about $45-65 more a month than usual. One of our staff members, Linda, is actually going to be using this technology when she begins her Invisalign treatments this month. She’ll be what we like to refer to in the medical industry as a "guinea pig," as she’ll be the first one to receive it at our office.

We’re so happy to be offering this type of service and to be able to help our patients reach their ideal smiles in an even faster timeframe. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or set up an appointment.