by Lisa Fillers

Created on: January 15, 2009

Accelerated orthodontics will, of course, give you a prettier smile quicker than following traditional orthodontic procedures. However, there is more to contemplate prior to choosing this method of orthodontics. There are pros and cons of accelerated orthodontics.

PROS:

* Achieving straighter teeth and a pretty smile much faster is the number one benefit of accelerated orthodontics. A patient can expect to complete treatment with accelerated orthodontics in three to eight months as compared to one to three years by traditional treatment. In traditional orthodontics the cosmetic dentist will extract teeth to open up space to correct the overcrowding of teeth. It takes longer for braces to re-align the teeth to fill in these gaps as it does with accelerated orthodontics. This is due to the procedures the cosmetic dentist or orthodontist uses in accelerated orthodontics to make room to alleviate the overcrowding. In accelerated orthodontics, the specialist will slim the teeth down by gently filing away part of the teeth which opens up multiple small spaces that can be re-aligned much faster.

* The other benefit of accelerated orthodontics is that due to the procedures used to accomplish straightening of the teeth, the ongoing work during the course of treatment is not usually as noticeable.

* Both of these pros work to the advantage of a patient who holds a professional position in which they must meet the public daily, particularly for someone who must make daily television appearances.

CONS:

* The cost of the procedures of accelerated orthodontics are far greater than those of traditional orthodontics or other forms of straightening teeth. Accelerated orthodontics is one of the more costly forms of cosmetic dentistry for straightening teeth. This is in part due to braces also being put on the back side of the teeth and in part due to specialist fees and surgery fees. Not only is the cost of the procedures performed higher, most dental insurance plans will not cover any portion of the fees. This is true even for those plans which will pay a portion of the fees for a traditional regimen of treatment.

* The patient may require an invasive, potentially painful, periodontal surgery during the accelerated orthodontics treatment.

* Due to the teeth moving much faster than with traditional orthodontics, the patient may initially feel an uncomfortable itching sensation in the gums.

* Finding a cosmetic dentistry specialist or orthodontist who specializes in accelerated orthodontics

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>