Whenever we begin a new treatment plan here at Beverly Hills Orthodontics, the first question patients often have is, “How long do I have to wait until I have my perfect smile?”
We completely understand why patients ask this question. After all, orthodontic treatments not only boost oral health, they can give you newfound confidence. It’s only natural that you’re excited to see the results!
Generally speaking, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and fixed braces usually take 1-3 years to complete. To help you get the smile you want faster, today’s orthodontists can utilize a number of tools and procedures to shorten treatment times. One of the most reliable ways to fast-track treatment is accelerated osteogenic orthodontics.
Accelerated osteo-what?
Although accelerated osteogenic orthodontics may sound like a mouthful, osteogenic treatments are easy to understand once you have someone break it down for you—and that’s exactly what we’re going to do here!
Below, we take a beginner-friendly look at what accelerated osteogenic orthodontics is, how it works, and which patients may qualify for it:
So, What Exactly is Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics?
The best way to introduce accelerated osteogenic orthodontics is to explain what “osteogenic” actually means. “Osteogenic” comes from two root terms:
- Osteo: derives from the Greek word “osteon” and means “bone”
- Genic: derives from the Greek word “genēs” and means “born” or “produced from”
Together, these roots combine to form “osteogenic”—a medical term used to describe procedures that promote new bone formation. You can simply think of accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (AOO) as a surgical way to quickly obtain great orthodontic results.
“Accelerated orthodontics” is an umbrella term used in the orthodontic field to refer to procedures and approaches that facilitate faster tooth movement. For example, accelerated orthodontic devices like OrthoPulse quicken tooth movement by shining near-infrared light onto the patient’s gums. The light naturally stimulates the jawbone, enabling quicker tooth realignment.
While OrthoPulse is a great way to quicken orthodontic treatment, AOO procedures produce even faster results thanks to the help of bone grafting materials. During the AOO procedure, an orthodontist places bone grafting materials under your gum. The material provides extra support for your teeth and allows your braces or clear aligners to move teeth at a much faster rate.
What Are the Advantages of Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics, and Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Treatment?
AOO treatment has been popular across the orthodontic field since the late 1990s. Minimally invasive and highly successful, orthodontists and patients frequently opt for accelerated osteogenic orthodontics for the following reasons:
- Faster Results: While other accelerated orthodontic measures can reduce orthodontic treatment time by a few months, AOO procedures are much faster. Patients that undergo AOO treatment can expect a perfect smile within 3-8 months.
- Can Treat Moderate-to-Severe Alignment Issues: Accelerated osteogenic orthodontics can treat mild, moderate, and severe misalignment. Normally, alignment issues like severe crowding and crossbites issues take years to resolve, but with AOO, you can experience a perfect smile within a matter of months.
- Reduced Risk of Regression: Following orthodontic treatment, there is a risk of reverting to their previous position. To prevent this, orthodontists provide patients with retainers. Although AOO patients often wear retainers as well, their teeth are less likely to move thanks to the bone grafts placed during the procedure.
In addition to these benefits, one of the biggest advantages of accelerated osteogenic orthodontics is that most patients qualify for treatment. If you have healthy adult teeth and the desire to quickly correct moderate-to-severe alignment problems, chances are that you will make a great candidate for AOO.
Look and Feel Your Best Sooner
Despite the possibly intimidating name, accelerated osteogenic orthodontic treatments are nothing to be scared of. For decades, orthodontists have used AOO procedures to create patients with healthy, beautiful smiles in short time frames.
Beverly Hills Orthodontics’ own Dr. Monica Madan has years of experience performing AOO procedures to correct severe issues in a comfortable, timely manner. Often used in combination with Invisalign, accelerated osteogenic treatments allow Dr. Madan and the BHO team to more effectively meet patient needs and provide the best treatment experience possible. Call Beverly Hills Orthodontics today to learn if AOO is right for you.