Accelerated Orthodontic TreatmentFrisco, TX

Why Accelerated Orthodontics: An Overview

One of the major things people want out of orthodontic treatment besides a straight smile is for treatment to go quickly. However, the average treatment time is about two years. With a variety of possible teeth-straightening options, patients search for an effective and efficient treatment plan. The idea that one can wear braces for months instead of years is attractive to many.

Patients can consider a variety of accelerated orthodontic treatments. Some treatments are non or minimally-invasive, and some may reduce the time a patient spends in braces by half. Orthodontists administer some treatments in-office, along with other treatments that patients will continue to maintain at home.

Benefits of Accelerated Orthodontics

One of the most beneficial features of this technology is less time spent wearing aligners or braces. Accelerated orthodontics can help a person fit teeth straightening into a busy schedule. If someone has a big event, such as a wedding, in 8 months to a year, it is conceivable that they could have their braces off in time for that event.

Saving time is not the only benefit. Accelerated orthodontics may reduce certain risks associated with orthodontic treatment. Shorter treatment times result in reduced risk of decalcification, gingival recession, and root resorption. It is also important to note that the less time one spends in braces, the less opportunity for long-term build-up of plaque around the braces. Along with that, a faster process can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

AcceleDent® Aura

AcceleDent® Aura is one accelerated orthodontics technology patients can use at home. This is a simple hands-free device worn over the teeth and braces for 20 minutes a day. It works by emitting micropulses that speed up the movement of teeth. This is a non-invasive and pain-free technology that is FDA-approved. Orthodontists have been using AcceleDent Aura for at least a decade.

The device is gentle and convenient for patients. It can be worn while reading or watching TV and is reported to cut treatment time by 50%. Another plus: Patients may use AcceleDent with many types of braces as well as clear aligners.

PROPEL System®

PROPEL Orthodontics offers another option that may reduce orthodontic treatment time by half. Instead of wearing a device for a short time each day at home, PROPEL is administered by the orthodontist during an appointment. The orthodontist uses a device that speeds up the movement of teeth by stimulating the bone surrounding the teeth

The procedure is minimally invasive and causes little discomfort. Typically, patients do not need recovery time after the procedure and can return to their normal activities right away. A key advantage of PROPEL is fewer treatments. Some patients only require one in-office procedure.

Who is a good candidate

As with any procedure, there are things to consider beyond just the advantages. Not every patient is a good candidate for the treatment. Accelerated orthodontics does carry an extra price tag that often is not covered by insurance. A patient’s teeth and gums need to be in good health, and accelerated orthodontics is not appropriate for solving all orthodontic issues. Our team examines each patient's situation and helps them weigh the benefits against the risks to determine if the treatment is a good option.

Schedule a Visit Today

Do you want a straighter smile in half the time? If so, Price Family Orthodontics can help you determine if accelerated orthodontic treatment is right for you. Call our office at 972-528-5519 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment

Is accelerated orthodontic treatment painful?

Rarely is discomfort reported with most types of this treatment. PROPEL necessitates the use of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area during the procedure. Patients have reported an itching sensation after treatment and about as much discomfort as experienced with a standard dental cleaning.

Can children and teens have accelerated orthodontic treatment?

The short answer is yes. The same rules that apply to adults with this treatment apply to children and teens as well. Our team will determine if this treatment is appropriate for a child’s situation. Then families must decide if the need for faster treatment justifies the extra cost.

How expensive is accelerated orthodontic treatment?

The cost of this treatment varies depending on each patient’s situation. The type of treatment used and the number of treatments required will affect the cost as well. Insurance does not typically cover accelerated orthodontics, but we offer payment plans to make paying for treatment more feasible.

Are there any risks associated with accelerated orthodontics?

Because the treatment is newer, there is not a large body of research on its long-term safety and effectiveness. That being said, clinical trials show the treatments to be gentle and safe for teeth. It is important to consider that accelerated orthodontics may necessitate more orthodontic checkups, adding to the overall treatment cost.

How should patients care for their teeth during accelerated orthodontics treatment?

Patients should care for their teeth just as diligently as they would with traditional orthodontic treatment. Wear the recommended appliances for the prescribed amount of time for maximum effectiveness. Also, brushing after every meal is crucial, along with flossing with interdental brushes or threaders to clean the hard-to-reach places.

Braces for Teens

If your teen needs braces, they are not alone. If they are nervous about how they will look in them, they are also not alone. But, when it comes to braces for teens, our team can show them how the benefits far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. We will help your teen achieve the straight set of teeth they desire through our braces treatment.

Price Family Orthodontics helps teens of all ages on their way to confident smiles. If it is time for your teen to get orthodontic treatment, we can help. To learn more about braces for teens or to schedule an appointment, call 972-528-5519 today.

Why Teen Braces

An estimated three million teens in the USA and Canada wear braces for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common include to:

• Align overlapping and overcrowded teeth
• Eliminate excessive spacing between teeth
• Fix a misaligned bite
• Straighten crooked teeth

These issues are easier to treat during the teen years since most adult teeth are in even though the jaw is still growing. Thanks to the jaw not being fully developed, it is easier to straighten the teeth to correct any malocclusion or alignment issues. Also, braces can help remedy speech problems, teeth clenching, and grinding.

Benefits of Getting Braces as a Teen

Even after going over the benefits of braces, some teens may need more convincing. Our team can review all factors and benefits with the patient during a consultation.One important thing for parents to remind teens is that they are at an age when braces are common. They should reassure teens that they will feel more comfortable in braces once they realize how many of their friends have them. Braces, even traditional metal ones, come in many shapes and sizes. With advances in technology, braces are faster and more discreet than before.

Parents should remind their teens that a year or two in braces is a small price to pay for the benefits a straight smile offers. The most obvious benefit is the confidence patients feel in showing off a perfect smile. In addition, straight teeth and a properly aligned bite make it easier to chew, speak, and clean your teeth. The benefits do not end there. Orthodontic treatment can prevent and relieve jaw and facial pain as well as support overall oral health. Remember, oral health impacts the entire body’s health, adding more benefits to wearing braces.

Alternatives to Braces

Many teens prefer clear aligners such as Invisalign®. Clear aligners are flexible and discrete with no metal at all. They just fit right over the top and bottom teeth. Teens can take them out for high-contact sports, important social occasions, eating, and cleaning. These benefits make them an attractive option.

However, removing clear aligners can make them easier for younger patients to misplace or lose. Also, if not worn the prescribed 22 hours per day, they are less effective and will take longer to straighten the teeth. Lastly, they are not an option for fixing all malocclusions and are not right for every teen.

The Process for Getting Braces

The treatment starts with the initial consultation. Our team will conduct a thorough examination, including impressions with the iTero® Digital Impression System. The iTero saves teens the discomfort associated with getting a traditional impression. We will discuss the patient’s goals and expectations and any medications they are taking or conditions that may affect treatment outcomes. It is important to ask many questions during this appointment as well as discuss the patient’s priorities and lifestyle. The orthodontist will use this information in constructing a treatment plan that is the best fit for the patient.

Teens should expect the appointment during which the braces are placed to take about one to two hours. If necessary, the orthodontist will put spacers between the teen’s back teeth about a week before to create room for the metal bands that go around the back molars. Patients can eat before the appointment but should brush and floss thoroughly before coming in.

The process is fairly simple. The orthodontist uses a small amount of glue to attach a bracket to the center of each tooth. After using a special light to set the glue, the orthodontist slides the bands around the back molars. The last step is to set the archwires in place, typically with a small rubber band around each bracket.

How Teens Can Care for Their Braces

Teens can expect to be wearing braces from one to three years. Oral hygiene is important during this time, as well as regular orthodontic checkups every four to eight weeks. Brushing after eating is crucial, along with flossing every day. Patients should avoid hard and sticky foods, including nuts.

The orthodontist will offer guidelines on how to adjust one’s eating habits to make the braces safe. Teens involved in high contact sports will want to get a mouthguard crafted especially for teeth with braces.

Schedule a Visit Today

Price Family Orthodontics looks forward to helping your teen smile more confidently. Our team will answer all your questions and select the treatment that best fits your teen. Call our office at 972-528-5519 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces for Teens

What is the best age for braces?

Typically, orthodontists recommend treatment begin between the age of 7 to 14. This is the time in a person’s life when the adult teeth are in, but the jaw is still growing, so it is more responsive to repositioning. However, the age at which braces are recommended depends on each teen’s unique situation.

Are braces painful for teens?

There is not much pain reported with braces. Any pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Most discomfort occurs after the first appointment and when the braces are adjusted.

How should a teen clean around braces?

Cleaning around braces can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several tools that make cleaning around braces easier. Your orthodontist may recommend floss threaders or interdental brushes. A water flosser is also a good tool for cleaning those hard-to-reach places.

What if my teen’s braces break?

If a repair is needed, such as re-gluing a loose bracket, call our office right away. We will tell you how to deal with the situation while you are waiting for an appointment to get a more permanent fix. If a bracket is loose, you may temporarily hold it in place with orthodontic wax.

How long are orthodontic appointments for braces?

You will want to allow two hours for the appointment where the braces are placed. The checkup appointments about every four to eight weeks should be less than 20 minutes. The number of appointments and length vary by treatment plan.