What is Wilckodontics(AOO)?

Sept. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Q. What is Wilckodontics (AOO)?

A. Wilckodontics, also known as Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics, involves a periodontal procedure combined with orthodontics to reach end results of straight teeth 3 to 4 times faster than conventional orthodontic treatment.

In the 1950s, periodontists were using corticotomy procedures to increase the rate of tooth movement. An oral corticotomy is a type of surgery where cuts are made in the jaw bone that surrounds and supports your teeth, called the alveolar bone. In the 1990s, the Drs. Wilcko, using CT scans, concluded that a marked reduction in mineralization of the Alveolar bone was the reason for the accelerated tooth movement following corticotomies. In 1995, Drs. Wilcko patented the AOO (Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics) technique.

Unlike a usual corticotomy, AOO doesn’t just cut into the bone, but decorticates it – that is, some of the bone’s external surface is removed. The bone then goes through a phase known as osteopenia, where its mineral content is temporarily decreased. The tissues of the Alveolar bone release rich deposits of calcium, and new bone begins to mineralize in about 20 to 55 days. While the bone is in this transient state, braces can move your teeth very quickly, because the bone is softer and there is less resistance to the force of the braces.

Research has shown that the results of AOO are as stable and long-lasting as conventional orthodontic braces. There seems to be more Alveolar bone present in patients who have undergone AOO, compared to before surgery, which is advantageous if your profile needs to be built up to improve your facial aesthetics.

Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics Pros and Cons of Wilckodontics:

Pros:

   * Shortened treatment time (3-4 times)
   * Decreased chance of root resorption following orthodontics
   * Increased Alveolar bone providing better support for your teeth and facial profile
   * Less likelihood for relapse
   * You can choose from metal, ceramic, or gold brackets, or even Invisalign.
   * Since teeth are moving through a softened bone, there is less discomfort associated with teeth movement (following each orthodontic adjustment) compared to traditional orthodontics.

Cons:

   * More expensive than conventional braces
   * Being a mildly invasive surgery, it has its risks
   * Expect some swelling and tenderness immediately after surgery
   * Need to recover for a week and must stay away from school or work.

Dr. Saba works very closely with oral surgeons who perform the corticotomy procedure. Typically the braces are installed on all your teeth prior to your visit with the oral surgeon for the corticotomy procedure. On your follow up visit with the oral surgeon, after the removal of all the stitches he will then refer you back to Dr. Saba for the placement of arch wires to initiate tooth movement. Patients who undergo ,Wilckodontics, procedure must visit their orthodontist every two weeks as opposed to the usual 6-8 weeks office visit frequency seen with the traditional orthodontic treatment. It is recommended that the patient takes one week off from work/school to recover from the surgery. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, and it can take two to three hours for both upper and lower arches.

Dr. Saba believes that AOO technique can correct most orthodontic problems, except for situations where the lower jaw has overgrown the upper jaw and the chin protrudes. Dr. Saba treats both adults and adolescents with Wilckodontics as long as they have healthy periodontium. Those who have had dental bone loss, periodontal disease, root damage or root shortening are not candidates for this procedure. The same types of braces (metal, or ceramic) as well as retainers are used in AOO as in traditional orthodontics.

To find out if you are a candidate for Wilckodontics, contact Saba Orthodontics at http://shadisaba.com/contact-us-and-directions or call (703) 404-SABA (7222) for your complimentary consultation!

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Shadi Saba D.D.S. has a state of the art Orthodontist office in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. We offer the highest in customer service and the utmost quality and care. Services include ibraces, Invisalign, TMJ treatment, and traditional braces.