Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment

The term "accelerated orthodontic treatment" is a controversial subject. Typical orthodontic treatment takes 18-36 months. The treatment time depends on the distances the teeth need to be moved, treatment goals, the type of techniques employed and the cooperation of the patient. "Accelerated orthodontic treatment" is also a function of the biological changes of the patient.

Rapid tooth movement following selective alveolar (jaw) bone decortication is well documented and results in treatment outcomes routinely produced in 6 to 9 months of active orthodontic care. The out-patient decortication surgery induces a transient osteopenia (bone healing) condition that favors "accelerated orthodontic treatment". The basis for the therapy is biological in nature and the biological changes are well documented. Uncompromised orthodontic treatment results are readily achievable utilizing orthodontic treatment in combination with selective alveolar decortication.

The type of braces used to correct malocclusion is unrelated to the biology necessary for "accelerated orthodontic treatment". Self-ligating brackets are a type of bracket that is reputed to shorten treatment time, but current research does not support this claim. While some dentists choose to undertake orthodontic treatment on a non-extraction basis occasionally incorporating tooth size reduction, this method is not always appropriate as dental extractions are occasionally unavoidable if crowding is to be alleviated.

While dentists may treat some orthodontic conditions in very short time periods, for example, "braces in 6 months", this approach may not address all the features which could be treated in an extended orthodontic treatment program. The ideal use of "accelerated orthodontics" is to offer a patient a viable alternative to porcelain veneers when they want straight teeth but do not want to invest years in traditional orthodontics. The exception to this is when braces are used in combination with alveolar decortication to produce a rapid orthodontic outcome wherein the patient’s malocclusion is treated comprehensively.

Many orthodontics disapprove of non-traditional styles of orthodontic care, but general dentists are licensed to offer orthodontics and often refer the more complex cases to the orthodontic specialists. A certified orthodontist typically completes three additional years of comprehensive orthodontic training upon completion of dental school. "High Speed Braces" is a term trademarked to represent this style of rapid orthodontics as is "Six Month Braces".

The movement toward straightening only the front teeth was begun in 1991 by a general dentist, Dr. Clifton Georgaklis (Straight Teeth in 6 Months-sm). This refers to a treatment philosophy of straightening mainly the teeth without bite change. Invisalign further promoted the esthetic orthodontic treatment philosophy by using clear aligners almost 10 years later. The first paper describing the 6 month cosmetic orthodontic treatment technique was published in Dentistry Today, October 1999 by Dr. Clifton Georgaklis. Now there are various general dentists lecturing on and promoting 6 month orthodontics throughout the United States and Europe.