Very few patients realize that there are some really amazing, cutting edge orthodontic tools on the market that can dramatically increase the speed and efficiency with which a skilled clinician can create a beautiful smile. Using Propel, a new technology in orthodontics, it’s possible to have straight teeth and a perfect smile in half the time required using traditional braces as a standalone treatment. Propel is a fast and effective treatment for patients who want to decrease treatment time straight teeth!
Propel is a technology that was designed to work hand-in-hand with other more traditional orthodontic treatments such as regular braces and Invisalign. With the help of Propel, it’s possible for patients to dramatically reduce the wait time required before their braces can be removed, which, for many patients, is a big reason to celebrate! In terms of orthodontic tools, Propel is one of the most effective treatment devices currently available. Dr. Christ uses Propel to help his patients have a speedier journey toward a great smile.
Propel works using a simple method that stimulates bone growth, which makes it possible to remove braces sooner. Treatment with Propel begins with making tiny holes, known as micro-osteoperforations, on the sides of targeted teeth. Depending on a particular tooth’s degree of misalignment, Dr. Christ will make several tiny holes around the tooth to encourage bone growth to proceed in the right direction.
These micro-osteoperforations make it so that the teeth move into the correct position more easily and more quickly with the help of other orthodontic devices. The micro-osteoperforations also incite bone growth, for faster movement. So the patient’s teeth move into place more quickly with much less discomfort, and afterwards, they’ll be rooted in the jaw stronger than they were before!
Propel is especially beneficial for adult patients who have a history of clenching and grinding, because Propel helps speed up the remodeling process necessary for great orthodontic results, reducing as much as 30-50% of the treatment time.
The Propel procedure takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Before the appointment, Dr. Christ will take an x-ray of the patient’s jaw to determine the primary target points for the Propel technique. In addition to carefully examining the x-rays, the doctor will also physically check the bone structure and dental spacing of the patient’s jaw before making a final decision on where to place the micro-osteoperforations.
After Dr. Christ or Dr. Nowicki determines the locations for the micro-osteoperforations, the patient will be asked to rinse their mouth with a mouthwash in preparation for the procedure. Then, a local anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area.
The only aftercare necessary is to avoid any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (N.S.A.I.D.) medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and the like for a period of ____ days.
All normal activities can be resumed following Propel treatment.