For the 5 million in the United States and Canada who wear orthodontic devices (e.g., braces), better oral health, an attractive smile and enhanced self-image are just a few of the benefits. Yet, many orthodontic patients - particularly the one in five who are adults - testify that the much-anticipated date their braces are to be removed is a day they wish would arrive sooner.

A team of orthodontists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio hopes to speed up and improve orthodontic treatment using a new device called the AcceleDent, developed by Dubravko Pavlin, D.M.D., M.S.D., Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the Health Science Center, and a team of investigators from OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc. 

"We are excited about this particular investigation because we expect it could lead to U.S. regulatory approval," according to Brent Tarver, vice president for clinical affairs and technology development at OrthoAccel.

Dr. Pavlin's colleagues Ravikumar Anthony, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S., clinical instructor of orthodontics, and Peter Gakunga, B.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., assistant professor of orthodontics at the Health Science Center, are now incorporating the device in an investigational study at the university. Dr. Anthony is the lead investigator of the Acceledent orthodontic study. It is the largest study of its kind and was launched this spring.

Thirty-four patients involved in the AcceleDent orthodontic study

The AcceleDent study involves 34 patients ages 12 to 40 who need braces. Orthodontic patients receive standard orthodontic treatment including any necessary extractions and are fitted for braces at the Health Science Center Orthodontic Clinic. Once their braces are on, patients are provided with an AcceleDent device to use at home. The AcceleDent device, which stands about 4 inches high and features a wafer-thin mouthpiece attached to a small, sleek battery-operated handle.

Orthodontic device provides low-frequency vibration

Patients are instructed to place the AcceleDent in their mouth and bite down for 20 minutes a day during orthodontic treatment. While in the mouth, the AcceleDent delivers a low-frequency pulsating barely noticeable vibration to the teeth. The researchers believe the vibratory forces from the AcceleDent, in combination with standard orthodontic treatment, will enhance the metabolism in bone tissue surrounding the teeth, allowing the teeth to straighten faster and more effectively.

Other successes with vibration therapy

Vibration therapy has been used in health care since the 1800s. More recently scientists across the world have documented positive results using the therapy in patients with osteoporosis, muscle loss and joint pain. Eight years ago, NASA scientists reported that muscles atrophy relatively quickly and bones lose mass during prolonged exposures to weightlessness. Therefore, they suggested their astronauts might prevent bone loss by standing on a lightly vibrating plate for 10 to 20 minutes each day while in orbit.

Vibration treatment can be used with metal braces and Invisalign

"We're taking this same concept and applying it to the orthodontic process," according to Dr. Pavlin. "Teeth are surrounded by alveolar bone and are held in place by periodontal ligaments and gum tissue. These respond to applied orthodontic force, which allows for movement of the teeth through the bone. We believe the application of cyclic loading (controlled vibrations) will not only increase the rate of tooth movement, but will also create a solid foundation of bone and adjacent tissues in the mouth and result in more stable outcomes for orthodontic treatment. This approach would allow us to treat patients using either standard metal braces or the plastic removable braces called Invisalign, and to treat more complicated cases with more stable outcomes."

Acceledent coming soon

The AcceleDent device, which could significantly shorten orthodontic treatment, will be available on a limited basis in the United Kingdom in late 2009 and will be marketed in the United States in late 2010.