6 Ways to Speed Up Your Orthodontic Treatment
Getting braces or clear aligners used to be a long process, often taking three years or more. Thanks to new technology and better techniques, many patients can now finish treatment faster and with better results. Let’s explore the current tools and treatments available—starting with the least invasive and moving to the most aggressive.
1. Smarter Treatment Planning with Custom Digital Tools
Today’s orthodontists can plan your treatment with amazing accuracy using digital systems like DIBS AI and Lightforce. Traditionally, orthodontists would directly position braces onto teeth in a patient's mouth, which could be challenging to have the best visual access due to the presence of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and lots of saliva! Now, orthodontists can use software to digitally place all the brackets on the teeth based on a customized treatment outcome. Without all of the soft tissues and general oral structures in the way, the orthodontist can rotate the teeth in all 3 planes of space to have the best visual and ensure the most accurate bracket placement. In addition, these intraoral scans of teeth can be overlayed with a patient's CBCT and even extaoral facial scan data to visualize the roots, bone, and surrounding facial structures.
This advanced planning means:
- Fewer adjustments during treatment
- Fewer bracket repositioning apppointments
- Less chair time at the orthodontist’s office
- A more predictable finish date
Evidence note: Studies show CAD-CAM indirect bonding systems improve bracket placement accuracy and workflow efficiency. Some reports suggest modest reductions in treatment time, but results vary by case and technique.
Effectiveness: High for accuracy, moderate for speeding treatment
Invasiveness: None
Cost to patient: Usually included in overall treatment fee
2. Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy for Faster Movement
Believe it or not, your oral hygiene has a tremendous effect on how quickly your teeth move. When gums are healthy, orthodontic treatment works more efficiently. But if there’s inflammation (caused by plaque, bacteria, or gum disease), tooth movement slows down.
- Tips to keep treatment moving quickly:
- Brush after every meal
- Floss daily (yes, even with braces!)
- Use a waterpik daily
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended by your orthodontist
Evidence note: Healthy gums support efficient orthodontic movement. Gum disease or significant inflammation can lead to interruptions or slower progress.
Effectiveness: High (indirectly supports faster treatment)
Invasiveness: None
Cost to patient: Low (home care products, optional professional cleanings)
3. Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
A newer, non-invasive option is red light therapy, sometimes called photobiomodulation. Patients use a small handheld device that shines safe, low-level red and near infrared light onto the gums and teeth for just a few minutes a day.
This light can:
- Increase blood flow in the gums
- Reduce inflammation and pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement
- Stimulate the cells that help teeth move
Evidence note: Research shows mixed results. Some studies find small, short-term acceleration; others find no significant difference. Evidence quality is low to moderate, and protocols vary.
Effectiveness: Low to moderate, patient-dependent
Invasiveness: None
Cost to patient: Moderate to high ($300–$800 for device)
4. Vibration Devices (e.g., AcceleDent, VPro)
These are small, hands-free mouthpieces that deliver gentle vibrations to the teeth for a few minutes a day. The vibrations may stimulate the bone and tissues, helping teeth move.
Evidence note: Multiple systematic reviews report little to no consistent acceleration effect. Some patients notice reduced discomfort, but speed benefits are minimal or inconsistent.
Effectiveness: Low for speed, moderate for comfort
Invasiveness: None
Cost to patient: Moderate to high ($300–$1,000)
5. Interradicular Piezocorticotomy (Piezocision)
This is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to speed up orthodontic tooth movement. Small incisions are made between the roots of the teeth using a piezoelectric surgical tool.
Benefits include:
- Less discomfort and shorter healing time than traditional corticotomy
- Stimulates the bone’s natural healing response, allowing teeth to move more quickly
- Often done chairside in a single appointment
Evidence note: Studies show a meaningful short-term acceleration effect (especially in first 3–6 months). Effects may diminish over time. Patient selection and surgical skill are key.
Effectiveness: Moderate to high (short-term boost)
Invasiveness: Mild to moderate
Cost to patient: Moderate to high ($1,000–$3,000, varies by region and scope)
6. SFOT, PAOO, and Wilckodontics
For patients who want the fastest possible results—and are open to more invasive options—there’s Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment (SFOT), also known as PAOO or Wilckodontics.
In these procedures:
- A periodontist or oral surgeon makes small cuts in the bone around the roots of the teeth
- This increases bone turnover, making it easier and faster for teeth to move
- Braces or aligners are then used to guide the teeth into place
Evidence note: Several clinical studies and reviews suggest significant time reductions are possible, but results vary widely. Risks, recovery time, and cost are higher than any other method listed here.
Effectiveness: High (case-dependent)
Invasiveness: High
Cost to patient: High ($3,000–$8,000+)
Every smile is unique, and so is every treatment plan. While modern tools and techniques can help speed up orthodontic care, the best option for you depends on your goals, oral health, and comfort level. Talk to your orthodontist about these choices so you can create a personalized plan that balances speed, safety, cost, and results.