Wisdom Teeth Cause Crowding - Fact or Fiction?

Will the wisdom teeth cause crowding or relapse when they come in?
This is one of the most common questions from parents of younger patients in our initial consultations. Despite popular belief, wisdom teeth do not contribute to the crowding of the front teeth in adulthood.  Wisdom teeth often need removing for many reasons, however studies show that extraction of the wisdom teeth or third molars exclusively for the purpose of preventing crowding of the incisors (front teeth) is not warranted. Human teeth naturally drift forward in our mouths over time and when your teeth are not ideally aligned, crowding occurs.

So if it isn't the wisdom teeth, then why do the teeth often start getting crooked around 17, 18 or 19 years of age?
Orthodontists believe that there are several factors that come into play.  First, as the teeth begin to wear the bite deepens in front (the teeth overlap more). This allows the back surface of the upper teeth to press down on the fronts of the lowers pushing them towards the tongue. This deepening of the bite also causes extra wear on the lower front teeth in some patients.
The second factor is what orthodontists call late residual growth. In common terms, there is a slight amount of lower jaw growth that happens in the late teens or early 20s that forces the teeth slightly forward and upward into the back of the upper teeth. The result is added pressure that crowds previously straight teeth.

What are the reasons wisdom teeth should be removed?
Wisdom teeth often do not have sufficient room to erupt and become totally or partially impacted, and unless other teeth need to be removed for orthodontic reasons, they are not useful, functioning teeth in chewing. In these situations they should be evaluated for extraction.

What is the key to keeping the teeth straight?
Although there are other reasons for removing your wisdom teeth, keeping your teeth straight shouldn't be the main concern.  Research indicates that long-term retainer wear or lingual wires are the only "sure thing". Keeping your teeth straight after braces requires wearing your retainers for as long as you want them to stay straight!

AcceleDent: New Technology to Shorten Treatment Time

What is AcceleDent? AcceleDent is a simple-to-use, hands-free device that uses SoftPulse Technology to offer faster orthodontic treatment with only 20 minutes daily use.










What is SoftPulse Technology and why is it important? Part of the way that orthodontics works is by changing or remodelling the bones surrounding your teeth. As this remodelling process is accelerated, your teeth move more quickly.  That's where AcceleDent comes in. By using tiny vibrations, or micro pulses, SoftPulse Technology is designed to speed up bone remodelling, accelerating tooth movement.

How does AcceleDent work?   By inserting the Mouthpiece – fitted around your existing orthodontics – and turning on the Activator for 20 minutes every day, AcceleDent can speed up tooth movement by up to 50%. Faster tooth movement may decrease the duration of your orthodontic treatment and can even help to make your orthodontics more comfortable.

Is AcceleDent safe? Yes. AcceleDent with SoftPulse Technology™ has been demonstrated safe and reliable in U.S. clinical trials. It is a Class II medical device that has been cleared for use by the FDA – the government agency that approves drugs and medical devices.

By how much time will AcceleDent reduce my treatment? Research has shown that tooth movement is accelerated by up to 50%, potentially shortening conventional orthodontic treatment time by several appointments.

What orthodontic treatment does AcceleDent work with? AcceleDent works in conjunction with most orthodontics. Please ask your orthodontist if AcceleDent is a good option for you.

How is the orthodontic treatment accelerated? Your orthodontics work on their own by moving your teeth in specific directions. AcceleDent generates small vibrations, or micropulses, enhancing the movements directed by your orthodontics, which may allow for faster overall treatment.

How do I know if I am biting into the Mouthpiece correctly and with the right amount of force? Bite pressure on the Mouthpiece should be just firm enough to hold your AcceleDent in place without using your hands. Avoid biting forcibly on the Mouthpiece as that may cause excessive wear.

Can I try to wear AcceleDent while I am sleeping? No.  It is not recommended that AcceleDent be used while sleeping.

Do I have to do the full 20 minute treatment at one time? Yes. It is recommended that you use your AcceleDent for a continuous 20 minute period each day.

If I absolutely have to interrupt the 20 minute session for a few minutes, when I turn my AcceleDent back on, does it remember how long I used it? Yes. AcceleDent will remember how long you used it as long as the interruption does not exceed five minutes. After five minutes of being turned off, AcceleDent will work for a full session of 20 minutes at its next use.

Is there some way that AcceleDent can “track” my usage? Yes. Docking the Activator/Travel Shell on the Charging Port also allows the usage history and details to be displayed. The amount of usage can then be observed on the Smart Display.

Can AcceleDent remind me to use it on a daily basis? No. AcceleDent is not designed to provide reminders. It is recommended that you make AcceleDent part of your daily routine in order to maximize its benefit to you.

How often does AcceleDent need to be recharged? The Activator should be recharged every three days or when no lights are visible on the Battery Gauge.

If I use AcceleDent for more than the recommended 20 minute treatment time, does it add incremental benefit? No. Additional daily use greater than the prescribed 20 minutes duration is not recommended.

What is the best way to clean AcceleDent? The Mouthpiece should be rinsed well with lukewarm water after each use. You may occasionally use a soft liquid dishwashing detergent, a mild soap, or toothpaste to gently brush the Mouthpiece. The Activator can be wiped with a soft cloth as necessary. The metal contacts of the Activator must be free of any dirt or residue and may be cleaned with a Q-Tip® as needed. It is recommended that you allow AcceleDent to air dry before being stored in the Travel Shell. Do not place the Mouthpiece or the Activator in a dishwasher as this will void the warranty and could cause damage to the product.

Can I use my AcceleDent in the shower? No. AcceleDent is not water resistant and should not be used in the shower.

Can I sanitize my AcceleDent and share it with a friend or family member who also has braces? No. AcceleDent is a FDA cleared, single-user prescription device. Sharing the AcceleDent and/or Mouthpiece is prohibited. Your orthodontist prescribed AcceleDent for your use only based upon your unique orthodontic treatment plan. Use of AcceleDent without the supervision and direction of an orthodontist may result in adverse unintended consequences.

Is my AcceleDent under warranty? Yes, the warranty details can be found in the Directions for Use, click here.

What type of battery does AcceleDent contain? The rechargeable battery in AcceleDent is a medical grade lithium ion battery.

What should I do with my AcceleDent once treatment is finished? You should dispose of your AcceleDent as you would with any other device with a rechargeable battery. Reference the “Disposal” section of the Directions for Use manual for further details, click here.

Is AcceleDent eligible under my HSA (Healthcare Savings Account)? When prescribed by a licensed dental professional, AcceleDent may be eligible under your HSA; however, it is always a good idea to check with your HSA Plan Administrator.

How can I get further information regarding AcceleDent? Please ask us about Acceledent at your next visit!