How long does Accelerated Orthodontics take?

Traditional orthodontic procedures like braces can take anywhere from 2 – 3 years. Our new AOO procedure can have your orthodontic treatment finished in 6 – 12 months.

Is Accelerated Orthodontics right for me?

Accelerated Orthodontics is appropriate for all cases and all types of braces.

Patients entering our practice, as well as those already undergoing active orthodontic therapy, can greatly reduce their time in orthodontic treatment by opting for the Fast Track with Accelerated Orthodontics (AOO or PAOO or Wilckodontics (This procedure has several names).

Additionally, patients that have delayed or have declined conventional orthodontics due to the length of treatment now have a viable alternative.

Any patient that desires straight teeth in less time is eligible for the Accelerated Orthodontics option.

Dr. Brownfield offers Accelerated Orthodontics in conjunction with other periodontal procedures. Dr. Brownfield was trained by the founders of Wilckodontics and works with the most experienced orthodontists in Texas.

What is Accelerated Orthodontics?

Over 2 decades of research has culminated in the development of accelerated orthodontics. Teeth may now be moved safely, and approximately 4 times faster. The treatment time for orthodontic cases can be reduced from 18-36 months to 3-8 months. Accelerated orthodontics is a combination of advanced orthodontics and periodontal oral surgery routinely used in dentistry for other objectives.

However, when used in combination with advanced orthodontics, the orthodontists’ gain a powerful advantage in reducing normally accepted orthodontic treatment times.  Fast Track patients in our practice undergo accelerated orthodontics, completing treatment in less time than traditional orthodontic patients.

Traditionally, orthodontic treatment takes a long time due to the limitations of the bone that surrounds the teeth. The slow and continual application of orthodontic forces triggers a biologic process resulting in extremely slow tooth movement. This is the mechanism that orthodontists have used to move teeth for the past 100 years.

Accelerated orthodontics solves this dilemma by employing advanced orthodontics combined with periodontal oral surgery which activates the bone that surrounds the teeth. By stimulating and softening the bone, the teeth can be moved at an accelerated rate, while at the same time adding new bone to create a better foundation for the teeth.

Activation of the bone surrounding the teeth involves the selective vertical scratching and placement of additional bone graft material.  The procedure is performed by Dr. Brownfield, a specialist in dental surgery (periodontist).

Maximal surgical precision is accomplished with minimal soft tissue injury. Particulate bone grafting material is placed over the activated bone (augmentation) prior to suturing. The activated tooth-supporting bone will allow and enhance accelerated tooth movement starting at two weeks post operatively. Both upper and lower jaws can undergo the procedures at the same in-office appointment as well as a single tooth, or groups of teeth.

The reactivity and responsiveness of upper and lower jaws to activation and augmentation is consistent with the cell biology and physiologic stages seen in the wound healing pattern of the regional acceleration phenomenon (RAP). Striking bursts in bone activity (demineralization and remineralization) occurs adjacent to the site of the activation and augmentation. Accelerated orthodontics demonstrates how the biologic response can be modified to the patient’s advantage. Truly: in vivo tissue engineering.

Additional benefits of Accelerated Orthodontics due to the activated and augmented bone can be

1. Increased bone volume can improve facial aesthetics in some cases.
2. Increased tooth and post-orthodontic stability
3. Fewer extractions required for orthodontics
4. Repair of existing bony and/or soft tissue defects that support the teeth.
5. May be used as an alternate in option cases requiring orthognathic surgery.

Dr. Lauren Brownfield is the periodontist in Houston certified to practice the technique of Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics. Dr. Brownfield has studied directly under the doctors, Bill and Tom Wilcko, who have pioneered the research efforts and developed the clinical procedures that encompass accelerated orthodontic tooth movement.

The post Accelerated Orthodontics: Our New Treatment is Faster than Traditional Braces appeared first on Dr. Lauren Brownfield.

How does Wilckodontics work?

Wilckodontics, also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), begins with a minimally invasive surgical procedure, usually done under IV sedation, to create small holes at your aveolar bone’s external surface. This is the bone that contains your tooth sockets. For a short period of time, the bone’s mineral content will be decreased, allowing your braces to quickly move your teeth into their desired positions. Your aveolar bone will heal quickly and actually become stronger than it was before the procedure.

Is Wilckodontics safe?

Quite simply- yes! The process used to demineralate bone has been used for the past 100 years in the orthopedic field and has recently been modified to help straighten teeth. Of course, undergoing any kind of surgery no matter how non-invasive has risks, so be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor.

Is Wilckodontics right for me?

AOO can be done on people of any age as long as all your permanent teeth are present and you have a healthy bone structure. To learn more about Wilckodontics and to find out if you’re a candidate for AOO, please contact our office. We look forward to answering any questions you may have and helping you get the beautiful, straight smile you deserve.

The post Straight teeth faster than braces with Wilckodontics® appeared first on Dr. Lauren Brownfield.

Advantages of Teeth in One Visit Dental Implants

• Receive fixed teeth within hours
• No need to use dentures or a prosthesis anymore
• Improved look and and self esteem
• Increased bite strength (chew with confidence when out to eat with family and friends)

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Teeth in One Visit?

Prior to the procedure we will schedule the proper diagnostic work up to ensure you’re a great candidate. Our state-of-the-art facility with in office CT scan allows us to scan and create a 3D advanced image of your jaw. With the CT scan we can pinpoint where your implants should be placed and whether or not you qualify for Teeth in One Visit.

Dr Brownfield is happy to show you how you can leave her office today with brand new teeth and a brand new smile! Dr Brownfield is extremely experienced with teeth in one visit and you can rest assured you’ll be receiving the best care available. Come in today today and learn how you can improve your smile and your teeth in just 12 hours. Contact us today for a consultation.

The post Brand New Teeth in One Visit appeared first on Dr. Lauren Brownfield.

Sensitive Teeth

A build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and can even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gum around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse. If you notice your teeth becoming more sensitive, it may be time for a check-up.

Tender Gums

Early stage periodontal disease is not often painful and the signs are relatively minor. However, left untreated, the early symptoms can progress and develop into periodontitis. Early stages of gum disease can be seen with minor symptoms like tender gums that include:

• Red, swollen, or purple gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent breath odor or a foul taste

Long Teeth

When gums recede because of periodontal disease, the teeth have the appearance of being much longer than normal. Not only is this condition a cosmetic concern but it can also affect the good health of your teeth and gums. The end results of this condition can be gum irritation, sensitivity to the surface of the root, bone loss, root caries or even loss of one or more teeth.

Exposed Roots

Exposed roots can be extremely sensitive and uncomfortable. They can be a sign of periodontal disease or can be attributed to brushing too aggressively with hard toothbrushes. Only soft or extra-soft bristles should be used when brushing your gums and it’s important to be gentle while doing so.

Loose teeth

Loose teeth are caused by the presence of bacteria and periodontal disease under the gums around the teeth. As the disease worsens, the gum pockets deepen due to loss of attachment structure. The bacteria from gingivitis and gum disease cause the body to destroy bone and gum tissue around the teeth, which are meant to hold the teeth in place.

Gum disease can be very serious. As plaque and bacteria invade the area around the teeth, it destroys the attachment between the teeth and the surrounding support structures. Once gum disease becomes active and remains untreated, teeth become mobile. If mobility is severe enough it ultimately results in loss of teeth.

Contact us for more information regarding receding gums and gum grafting.

Schedule An Appointment

The post Five Signs You May Have Receding Gums appeared first on Dr. Lauren Brownfield.

The post We have moved! appeared first on Dr. Lauren Brownfield.