Orthodontic treatment offers plenty of advantages, like a flawless smile, greater confidence, and better oral health. But despite these benefits, most patients have one question when they start treatment: How soon will it be done?
At iSmiles Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics, we have some good news: Brandon Hoang, DMD offers the Propel® VPro5™, an innovative device that significantly speeds up orthodontic treatment, so you can start enjoying your results a lot sooner.
If you or your adolescent are considering orthodontic treatment in the near future, here’s what you should know about Propel VPro5.
The science behind Propel VPro5
Propel VPro5 is a small, handheld device that you use during orthodontic treatment. The device looks sort of like the LED light devices used during teeth whitening. When placed against your teeth, the device emits a steady stream of tiny vibrations that make it easier for your teeth to move into their new positions.
To appreciate how Propel VPro5 helps speed up orthodontic treatment, you first need to understand a little bit about what happens to your teeth while you’re wearing braces or aligners — or more specifically, what happens as your teeth are shifting into alignment.
Braces and aligners move the entire tooth, from the top of its crown all the way down to its root. These movements trigger a mild inflammatory response inside your jaw bones. That response plays a critical role in tooth movement, helping bone reform itself around the roots’ new positions, so your teeth are straight and stable.
Researchers have found that the vibrations emitted by the Propel VPro5 device enhance this process in two ways. First, the vibrations temporarily decrease bone density around the roots, making it easier for the roots to migrate to their new locations. And second, the vibrations enhance tissue regeneration and bone remodeling to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Benefits of Propel VPro5
Certainly, faster treatment time is a major benefit associated with the Propel VPro5, but it’s not the only one. With Propel VPro5, you can expect:
- Fewer orthodontic visits
- Fewer aligner changes
- Fewer braces adjustments
Better yet, researchers found that using the Propel VPro5 reduces the discomfort associated with tooth movements compared to when aligners and braces are used on their own.
Using the Propel VPro5 device
The Propel VPro5 is shaped like a U and designed to slide between your teeth. During treatment, you gently bite down on the device to ensure it makes contact with your tooth surfaces. Just 5 minutes once a day is all it takes to cut your orthodontic treatment time significantly.
After using the device, you can clean it with a soft-bristled toothbrush, rinsing it with cool water and leaving it out to air dry until the next use. The Propel VPro5 also comes with an app to help you monitor your treatment. Keep your Propel VPro5 device charged to ensure it can connect to your smart phone.
When you begin using the device, you might notice some increased tooth sensitivity or mild swelling. Typically, these issues resolve within 1 or 2 weeks. In the meantime, you can relieve any minor discomfort by taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain medication.
Transform your smile faster with Propel VPro5
Propel VPro5 can be used with both aligners and braces. The best way to know if it’s a good choice for you is to schedule a consultation with our team at our office in Corona, California. To learn more, call 951-273-9992 or request an appointment online at iSmiles Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics today.