Accelerated orthodontic treatment (AOT) refers to a group of techniques designed to reduce orthodontic treatment time while maintaining safe and effective tooth movement.
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Today, accelerated orthodontics is increasingly used in selected patients who want shorter treatment times without compromising treatment quality.
✅ Introduction
Traditional orthodontic treatment often lasts 18 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Although this timeline produces predictable results, many patients seek faster treatment.
Accelerated orthodontic treatment combines biological, mechanical, and digital approaches to help teeth move more efficiently. However, not every technique is appropriate for every patient, and treatment should always be based on a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
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Accelerated orthodontic treatment includes clinical techniques that aim to increase the rate of tooth movement or improve treatment efficiency without sacrificing safety.
Rather than replacing conventional orthodontics, these techniques are used as adjunctive methods to shorten treatment duration in selected cases.
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1. Micro-Osteoperforations (MOPs)
Small perforations are created in the bone surrounding the teeth to stimulate natural bone remodeling.
Benefits
▪️ Minimally invasive
▪️ May increase tooth movement in selected cases
▪️ Performed in the dental office
2. Piezocision
A minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and ultrasonic instruments to stimulate bone remodeling.
Benefits
▪️ Faster healing than traditional corticotomy
▪️ May reduce treatment time
▪️ Limited surgical trauma
3. Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontics
Small cuts are made in the cortical bone to temporarily increase bone remodeling and facilitate tooth movement.
Benefits
▪️ Useful for complex adult cases
▪️ May significantly reduce treatment time
▪️ Can improve movement of difficult teeth
4. Vibration Devices
These devices apply gentle mechanical vibrations during orthodontic treatment.
Current Evidence
Scientific studies have produced mixed results, and routine use is not strongly supported by current evidence.
5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-intensity laser energy is used to stimulate cellular activity involved in bone remodeling.
Current Evidence
Some studies report modest benefits, but clinical evidence remains limited and inconsistent.
6. Customized Digital Orthodontics
Modern digital technologies improve treatment efficiency by allowing highly accurate planning.
Examples include:
▪️ Digital intraoral scanning
▪️ 3D treatment planning
▪️ Customized aligners
▪️ Computer-designed brackets
Although these technologies do not directly accelerate bone remodeling, they often reduce treatment delays and improve precision.
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▪️ Shorter treatment time
▪️ Fewer appointments in some cases
▪️ Improved patient satisfaction
▪️ Better treatment efficiency
▪️ More precise digital planning
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▪️ Not suitable for every patient
▪️ Some techniques require minor surgery
▪️ Additional costs may apply
▪️ Scientific evidence varies depending on the technique
▪️ Clinical experience is essential
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Accelerated orthodontic treatment may be considered for:
▪️ Healthy adolescents and adults
▪️ Patients seeking shorter treatment times
▪️ Individuals with good oral hygiene
▪️ Patients without active periodontal disease
A complete orthodontic examination is necessary before selecting any accelerated technique.
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Interest in accelerated orthodontic treatment has grown considerably over the past decade. While surgical techniques such as piezocision and corticotomy-assisted orthodontics have shown more consistent evidence for reducing treatment time, non-invasive approaches like vibration devices and low-level laser therapy remain controversial due to inconsistent clinical outcomes.
Digital technologies have also transformed orthodontics by improving treatment planning and appliance customization, helping clinicians achieve more efficient care even when they do not directly increase the speed of tooth movement.
✍️ Conclusion
Accelerated orthodontic treatment offers promising options for reducing treatment time in carefully selected patients. However, these techniques should be viewed as adjuncts to conventional orthodontics, not replacements. Choosing the most appropriate approach depends on the patient's oral health, treatment goals, and the orthodontist's clinical judgment.
🎯 Clinical Recommendations
▪️ Select accelerated techniques only after a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
▪️ Maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout treatment.
▪️ Discuss the benefits and limitations of each technique with the patient.
▪️ Base treatment decisions on current scientific evidence rather than marketing claims.
▪️ Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor tooth movement and periodontal health.
📚 References
✔ Alikhani, M., Raptis, M., Zoldan, B., Sangsuwon, C., Lee, Y. B., Alyami, B., ... & Teixeira, C. (2013). Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of tooth movement. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 144(5), 639–648. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2013.06.017
✔ El-Angbawi, A., McIntyre, G. T., Bearn, D. R., Thomson, D., & Fleming, P. S. (2015). Non-surgical adjunctive interventions for accelerating tooth movement in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD010887. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010887.pub2
✔ Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., Larson, B. E., & Sarver, D. M. (2019). Contemporary Orthodontics (6th ed.). Elsevier.
✔ Ren, A., Lv, T., Kang, N., Zhao, B., Chen, Y., & Bai, D. (2015). Rapid orthodontic tooth movement aided by alveolar surgery in non-growing patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 42(8), 614–627. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12274
✔ Uribe, F., Davoody, L., Mehr, R., Jayaratne, Y. S., Almas, K., Sobue, T., & Nanda, R. (2017). Efficiency of piezotome-corticision assisted orthodontics in alleviating mandibular anterior crowding: A randomized clinical trial. European Journal of Orthodontics, 39(6), 595–600. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjx002
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