Do you think accelerated orthodontics is worth it? i want braces, and am considering accelerated orthodontics, but would like any opinions as to whether it's worth it, especially in the long term.

There : There is no long term benefit for accelerated orthodontics. The short term benefit is that teeth move faster, but the effect wears off in 3 to 6 months. The surgery involved is fairly extensive, but if it is needed in only a small area the surgery is much easier on the patient. I do not recommend accelerated orthodontics for full mouth cases unless the length of treatment is a primary consideration. However when only a few teeth need to be moved and the surgery can be limited to a small area it may be well worth it.

"Worth : "worth it" is a somewhat relative term depending on what you mean. For example, "is the added cost going to provide me a better or more stable result?" i would say no in most instances. Or, "is the added cost going to greatly reduce my time in braces?" not really. As dr. Aronowitz said, you get about 3-6 months of faster tooth movement, but then teeth move as normal. I use the procedure to broaden my envelope of treatment for selected cases that are borderline for needing jaw surgery to correct the bite, but can be treated just as effectively non-surgically by just adding some bone. Other options would be using it in selected, localized areas that are known to be very difficult to move teeth (like when lower back teeth need to be moved forward a big distance). Then the procedure is useful. I, personally, do not see much of an advantage to doing on the entire mouth just to reduce treatment time by a few months if that is the only reason for doing so. From a stability standpoint you still need to wear a retainer when done :) the procedure can provide "benefits" in the long-term for cases with bone loss or susceptibility to root resorption, as the stresses of tooth movement are lessened. I would encourage you to discuss this with your orthodontist to see if you fall into one of these categories. However, from my experience, i don't see much benefit from a pure acceleration perspective.

Maybe: If you only need s small amount of movement in each arch the answer is "yes" it is worth it. However, extensive orthodontics needs the proper attention to detail that many appointments can only deliver month by month. Obtain a consult from an orthodontist to find out what you need in the way of orthodontic treatment.

No: The extra time gained in my opinion is not worth the trauma and risks.

NO!: Accelerated orthodontics in this context means surgical intervention. Anytime that bone is cut there is a risk of losing some of the quality attachment for the teeth. As orthodontics has matured, it is a very efficient means of moving teeth: we can do a lot in a reasonable period of time. With this is mind, i see no reason to add risk into the mix. Results and stability, but no surgery!

Value: Is getting your orthodontic treatment accomplished "faster" worth the costs of the periodontal surgery? It's a short-term gain, not a long-term benefit. It is truly a value judgement that only you can decide for yourself. Faster vs. Cost & surgery.

Risk v benefit poor: The only benefit to accelerated ortho is shorter time in braces. As with any surgical proceedure there are risks, including but not limited to pain, bleeding, damage to bone, damage to tooth-to-bone attachment, and infection. There is no long-term benefit to this.

Accelerated braces: The answer that is most accurate is--it depends. "conventional" orthodontic cases may last far longer (months to years) when accelerated techniques would have definitely shortened treatment time. This often drives costs higher and so "additional costs" become a wash. As for the "trauma" ascribed to the surgery by some, the appropriate informed source of information for you is the surgeon.

Propel is great: Propel is a much less invasive form of accelerated orthodontics. It is a fraction of the cost of other types of more complex periodontal procedures for acceleration. It works great with braces or Invisalign. This procedure can allow you to change the aligners twice/week instead of once every other week!!

The Jury : is still out on the overall safety and effectiveness of these accelerated therapies. They all increase the mobility of the teeth which increases the risk. Consider the added risk against the reason you don't want to wait for conventional braces or aligners.

Studies say no!: So, the technique involves a major surgery, it does lead to fast tooth movement, but the effect fades away in 1 to 2 months and after that, rate of tooth movement is about the same with no significant clinical difference. Is it worth it? I don't think so. Are you going to find materials indicating the opposite online? absolutely :)

Accelorated?: It all depends on the modality of "accelorated" treatment. If surgical, maybe not. Using devices such as vibration appliances, it all depends on "how much quicker" the treatment will be. I personally do not subscribe to the vibration devices.