Speed Up Your Orthodontic Treatment

McClellan Orthodontics

When patients are told that they need orthodontic treatment, the first question they ask is, “How long will I have to wear braces?”. Fortunately, advances in technology have made orthodontic treatment time quicker than ever before. Results that used to require 2-3 years of treatment can now be achieved in a little over a year!

At McClellan Orthodontics, we offer the latest technology in orthodontics to ensure you receive the absolute best results and highest quality care available. We are proud to offer a product which can help you complete treatment even faster. It’s called AcceleDent, and it can help your teeth move up to 50% faster when worn for 20 minutes a day.

The AcceleDent System is a product designed to decrease the time you are in braces or Invisalign by increasing the rate of tooth movement. The rate of tooth movement depends on the speed at which the bone surrounding the teeth changes. Studies have shown that orthodontic force coupled with micro-vibrations, generated by the AcceleDent System, safely accelerates tooth movement.

How Does It Work? AcceleDent is a portable, removable, hands-free mouthpiece. The mouthpiece connects to an activator and gently vibrates using patented SoftPulse technology. These gently vibration speed up tooth movement and increase the rate of bone remodeling compared to constant, static pressure.

How Do I Use It? AcceleDent is easy to use. You attach the mouthpiece by plugging it into the activator. Turn on the activator, place it in your mouth, and bite down firmly to hold it in place. You will use the mouthpiece for a continuous 20-minute session each day at about the same time. Because you don’t need to use your hands to keep it in place, you can read, watching television, listening to music, do schoolwork, surf the Internet, or check your email while you’re using it. As a bonus, the FastTrac Usage report provides a daily usage graph and summary so you can hold yourself accountable.

How Do I Clean It? Take the mouthpiece off the activator to clean the device. Rinse the mouthpiece after each session with lukewarm water. Every so often you can gently brush it with a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Wipe the activator with a soft cloth to keep it sparkly clean. Keep in mind…The activator isn’t waterproof so don’t get it wet.

How Do I Charge It? To care for your AcceleDent System, keep it clean and make sure it’s always charged. The LED indicator will quickly flash orange when it’s time to recharge the activator. Plug the activator into the wall using the power adapter or connect it to your computer with the USB cord. When you see it slowly flash orange, you’ll know it’s charging. When the LED light is green it’s ready to go.

Is AcceleDent Safe? AcceleDent has been cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device and trials showed no adverse effects or tooth root damage. And the gentle vibrations may actually decrease the discomfort and sensitivity that occasionally results from wearing braces and having them adjusted and tightened.

AcceleDent works for a variety of cases and with most all orthodontic appliance and is safe for patients of all ages, from children to adults. It’s available by prescription only so be sure to talk with McClellan to determine if the Acceledent System would be a good fit for you.

 

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

McClellan Orthodontics

There are certain dietary habits that are known to cause orthodontic appliances to break, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals with excellent overall health, so be sure you have a well-balanced diet.

If you have orthodontic appliance, you must use caution when selecting foods to eat. Remember, Dr. McClellan aims to achieve your treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible. And damage to your orthodontic appliances due to poor diet choices may extend your overall treatment time. It’s up to you to ensure that you are eating healthy foods to keep your orthodontic appliances in proper condition and to improve your overall health. 

Orthodontic appliances, like braces, are attached to your teeth with an adhesive that will typically withstand the forces of eating. However, appliances can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken while eating certain foods.  

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods should also be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods without refined sugar and followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.

It’s best not to eat hard foods, sticky foods, and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods as they can cause tooth decay and other related problems. You should also refrain from nail-biting and chewing on foreign objects such as pens. Below is a list of foods that may be appealing but are dangerous to eat during orthodontic treatment:

• Ice 
• Sticky food or candy of any kind
• Hard food or candy of any kind
• Foods high in sugar content 
• Foods that require biting into

While you will have to avoid certain foods if you have orthodontic appliances, there are still plenty of healthy and delicious food options available to you. Some of the best foods to eat if you have orthodontic appliances are:

• Yogurt 
• Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits 
• Light crackers or cookies 
• Cheese 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
• Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

If you are unsure about dietary restrictions or healthy food options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at McClellan Orthodontics. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Remember, it is essential to regularly check your orthodontic appliances for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange for a repair appointment.