Should I Be Paying $1000 for a Vibrational Device?

Should I Be Paying $1000 for a Vibrational Device?

Dr. Michael Stosich is exceptionally qualified to discuss the application of vibratory technology in orthodontics. That’s because he worked in the lab where the studies were conducted on the viability of vibrational forces to accelerate orthodontic treatment. And here are the simple facts:

• • The most comprehensive, randomized clinical trial on the use of vibratory forces in orthodontics to move teeth faster was published in the Journal of Dental Research. This is the premier dental research publication in the world, and the research method used is the gold standard used by scientists to evaluate clinical efficiencies of drugs and technologies. The results stated, very simply, that the vibratory forces from devices like Acceledent do NOT move teeth faster when compared with conventional approaches. An abstract of the article is provided below.

• As a patient, the golden rule of buyer beware applies when any new technology is presented as an approach to moving teeth faster. One should never be fooled into believing single patient clinical reports. Reports from these are biased and may represent response by chance. Another way to approach it is this – just because your friend won playing the lottery doesn’t mean you will, too.

So that leaves the question “Can treatment be completed in a shorter time?“

The answer is YES. But it requires the following:

1- You choose a care provider that is a certified specialist orthodontist and demonstrated credibility and a trusting relationship.
2- Your provider has the time to listen to, and caters to your needs and wants.
3- Your provider demonstrates that he practices evidence based care.
4- Prior to starting treatment, you are shown a comprehensive, three dimensional treatment plan designed specifically for you.
5- You, as the patient, fulfill your obligation by following all instructions given by your provider and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, attend all scheduled appointments and do not break your appliances.

There is no magic to shorter treatment. It is driven through a committed partnership between both a doctor and a patient.

Currently, your safest bet is to ensure that the provider is qualified as a specialist orthodontist who shows you his care plan that is specifically designed for you.

Miles, P., Fisher, E., & Pandis, N. (2018). Assessment of the rate of premolar extraction space closure in the maxillary arch with the AcceleDent Aura appliance vs no appliance in adolescents: A single-blind randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 153(1), 8-14. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2017.08.007

Woodhouse, N., DiBiase, A., Johnson, N., Slipper, C., Grant, J., Alsaleh, M., Donaldson, A., & Cobourne, M. (2015). Supplemental Vibrational Force During Orthodontic Alignment: A Randomized Trial Journal of Dental Research, 94 (5), 682-689 DOI: 10.1177/0022034515576195