Friday, April 22, 2016
When I first opened my private practice, I knew I would be undertaking a tremendous amount of responsibility. Aside from being in total financial control, it would be up to me to diagnose, treat, and ensure the highest level of service for my patients.
I've built my practice around providing the highest quality treatment I can. When patients come in, they don't know anything about braces, or how they work. It is my job to inform them about the real difference between the types of treatments they choose. Less force on the teeth is the ultimate goal when it comes to treatment. As a clinician, it is important for me to provide my patients with access to the treatment options and technologies that offer them optimal treatment. Providing this level of care is as good for my practice as it is for my patients.
When I was in dental school, the term root resorption really stuck with me. Because of the orthodontic forces on the tooth, pathological surface or transient inflammatory root resorption can occur. I learned early on it is accepted that most individuals will experience some degree of root shortening after orthodontic treatment. Luckily, severe root shortening is uncommon after treatment. Still, I did not like the idea of potentially harming my patients’ teeth in the long term.
Because of this, I always try to offer alternatives to patients when it comes to treatments and force used to move their teeth. I almost always recommend Damon braces because of the effective way they move the teeth without the trauma experienced with traditional metal braces. Another product I’m proud to offer in my practice is AcceleDent, which can cut orthodontic treatment times by 50 percent.
AcceleDent is a tool that consists of a mouthpiece attached to a vibrating handle. Patients place the mouthpiece in their mouth for 20 minutes, once a day, every day, until the conclusion of their treatment. The handle is filled with gentle micropulses, known as SoftPulse Technology, which allows for accelerated bone remodeling, encouraging the teeth to move 30 to 50 percent faster.
The science behind AcceleDent is not all that complicated: Patients use the device to increase blood flow, stimulating the healing process and cutting down treatment times by up to 50 percent. Patients jump up and down at the thought of getting their braces off early, particularly those who have high school yearbook pictures coming up, a wedding, or any event where straight, white, natural teeth would make them feel more confident or comfortable. While all orthodontists know braces are not something to be embarrassed about, our patients sometimes don't see eye to eye on the subject. Patients expect various options and speedy treatments nowadays, and this is why AcceleDent makes a great practice builder. For the practice, getting patients’ braces off faster also means we can treat more patients in half the time.
For the patient, the allure of AcceleDent is that it's so easy to use. However, the research behind it is far from simple. According to a study by Daniel Tan, vibration in orthodontics has been applied with the goal of increasing the rate of orthodontic tooth movement by accelerating the periodontal and bony tissue modeling and remodeling processes.1 Vibration in orthodontics is an aspect that should not be overlooked.
In regards to vibration, Tan continues: “This has the benefit of decreasing the duration that a patient has fixed appliances on their teeth, which can lead to periodontal problems as well as a higher risk of root resorption. Vibration has the advantage of minimal side effects in comparison to other methods of accelerating tooth movement such as local or systemic medicines and has proven to be a safe low impact alternative that enhances bone remodeling in the medical field.”2
That is why I gladly endorse AcceleDent. It is a safe way to accelerate the movement of teeth and the healing process.
Patients are all too familiar with the soreness they experience either after an initial bonding or adjustment. Not being able to chew their favorite foods can really take its toll on some patients. They begin to dread coming into my office. With AcceleDent, these patients are able to continue their lives without these negative feelings or discomfort.
Small vibrations can accomplish a much safer result for my patients. This is confirmed by the same study Tan constructed, noting in the conclusion section of his research: “Vibration may potentially be more beneficial in patients more susceptible to orthodontically induced root resorption.”3
Since I started including AcceleDent into my treatment programs, my patients have been lining up to get it. They all ask me the same question: “Will my braces come off sooner?” The short answer I can happily provide is, yes. While we all know certain patients teeth move faster than others, we can at least ensure them AcceleDent is the safest, most effective way to stimulate their teeth and encourage the healing process. There is a strong sense of accomplishment I feel when I know I’m offering the latest technology in my practice while keeping my patients’ teeth and mouths healthy, and AcceleDent is a big part of that for my practice.
References:
1. Tan, Daniel. The Effect of Mechanical Vibration (Acceledent, 30Hz) Applied to the Hemimaxilla on Root Resorption Associated with Orthodontic Force. Thesis. Sydney University, 2011. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
2. Tan, Daniel. The Effect of Mechanical Vibration (Acceledent, 30Hz) Applied to the Hemimaxilla on Root Resorption Associated with Orthodontic Force. Thesis. Sydney University, 2011. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
3. Tan, Daniel. The Effect of Mechanical Vibration (Acceledent, 30Hz) Applied to the Hemimaxilla on Root Resorption Associated with Orthodontic Force. Thesis. Sydney University, 2011. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.