The Need for Speed
“When do I get them off?”
If you have braces, you probably ask your orthodontist this question at every single appointment. The average orthodontic treatment takes between 18 to 24 months. While the result is worth the wait, nearly every patient wishes there was a “Fast Forward” button.
Here is the good news: In 2025, technology has advanced significantly. There are now legitimate ways to shave months off your treatment time.
At Dentovex, we separate the science from the gimmicks. Here is your guide to getting those brackets off sooner.
1. High-Tech Accelerators (The “Money” Options) ⚡
If you have the budget, there are clinically proven devices and procedures designed to stimulate your bone biology and make teeth move faster.
A. Vibrational Devices (AcceleDent / VPro5)
These are hands-free devices that you gently bite down on for about 20 minutes a day.
- How it works: They use “Soft Pulse Technology” (micropulses) to stimulate blood flow to the gums and bone cells (osteoclasts and osteoblasts), speeding up the remodeling process.
- The Cost: These are usually an extra cost, ranging from $800 to $1,200.
- The Verdict: Studies show they can speed up tooth movement by up to 30-50% and significantly reduce pain after adjustments.
B. Micro-Osteoperforation (Propel / MOPs)
This sounds scary, but it’s a minor in-office procedure performed by the orthodontist.
- How it works: The doctor makes tiny “dimples” in the gum/bone tissue between your teeth under local anesthesia. This triggers a localized healing response (“Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon”), causing the bone to soften temporarily so teeth move through it faster.
- The Cost: $300 – $600 per session.
- The Verdict: Highly effective for difficult movements or stubborn teeth.
2. The #1 Reason Treatment Gets Delayed (Don’t Do This!) 🛑
You can buy all the expensive gadgets in the world, but if you do this one thing, your treatment will take longer: Breaking Your Brackets.
Every time a bracket breaks off a tooth:
- The wire stops working on that tooth.
- The tooth may drift back to its old position.
- You have to wait for an emergency appointment to fix it.
The Math: Orthodontists estimate that each broken bracket adds about 1 month to your total treatment time. If you break 5 brackets over two years, you just added 5 extra months.
Read our Ultimate Food Guide to see exactly what foods to avoid to prevent breakage.
3. Rubber Bands: The Secret Weapon
Once you reach the “bite fixing” stage, your orthodontist will give you tiny elastic bands to wear between your top and bottom teeth.
- The Reality: They are annoying. They snap. You forget them.
- The Truth: This is the stage where most patients get stuck. If you wear them 24/7 (as instructed), the bite fixes quickly. If you only wear them “sometimes,” the teeth just wiggle back and forth, and you make zero progress.
Rule: If you want your braces off fast, wear your rubber bands like your life depends on it.
4. Keep Your Appointments
It sounds obvious, but skipping or rescheduling appointments is a major delay factor. Braces work by applying constant, gentle pressure. Over 4-6 weeks, the wire “works itself out” and stops being active.
- If you miss an appointment by 2 weeks, that is 2 weeks where your braces are doing absolutely nothing.
5. Keep Them Clean
Swollen, infected gums (gingivitis) create friction. Teeth actually move slower in inflamed tissue because the body is fighting infection instead of remodeling bone. Keeping your teeth spotless allows them to glide into position efficiently.
Conclusion: Patience is Still Key
While technology like AcceleDent or Propel can help, biology has a speed limit. Moving teeth too fast can actually damage the roots (root resorption) and loosen the teeth permanently.
Trust your orthodontist’s pace. The goal isn’t just a fast smile, it’s a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Want to learn more about the costs of these accelerators? Check out our breakdown of Orthodontic Costs in 2025.
Disclaimer: Not all patients are candidates for accelerated orthodontics. Consult your provider to see if these options are safe for you.
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