A Quick Fix for a Quicker Smile
Imagine you’re at the dentist for a checkup, and they suggest braces to straighten your teeth. The first thing that might pop into your head is, “How long will I have to wear braces?” But what if there was a way to potentially speed things up?
It’s called Micro-osteoperforation, or MOP for short. It’s a newer technique that can help move teeth faster than traditional braces alone.
Here’s the exciting part: MOP has shown promising results in speeding up treatment. In many cases, it can reduce the time you wear braces by up to half or even more. This means you might get to show off your new, straighter smile much sooner than expected. MOP is particularly effective for those stubborn teeth that typically take a long time to shift into place. So, if you’re worried about a lengthy treatment process, MOP could be a game-changer for your orthodontic journey.
The science behind the speed
Micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) are a clever trick orthodontists use to make braces work faster. They make tiny holes in the bone around your teeth. This doesn’t hurt much, but it sends a signal to your body to speed up the process of bone change. When the bone changes faster, your teeth can move into their new positions more quickly.
This technique works because it triggers something called the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP). RAP is like your body’s natural healing response, but in this case, it helps move teeth. By using MOPs, orthodontists can often cut down the time you need to wear braces. It’s a safe way to get that perfect smile you want, without having to wait as long.
How does these fast braces work?
- The dentist makes tiny, shallow holes in the bone around your teeth.
- These small holes don’t need stitches or any complicated procedures.
- The holes trigger your body to start a natural healing process.
- This healing process makes the bone around your teeth softer for a short time.
- When the braces push on your teeth, they can move more easily through this softer bone.
What to expect during the procedure?
An orthodontist can perform the procedure in minutes in their office. The MOP procedure begins with consulting your orthodontist who will determine what areas need micro osteoperforations. Gum tissue is numbed, then micro-perforations are created in the bone with a small handpiece. Patients typically experience very little discomfort and minimal recovery time. Following the procedure, patients can immediately return to their normal oral cleaning routine.
Who is it for?
The procedure is indicated for approximately 80% of patients receiving orthodontic treatment. MOPs can be used in conjunction with any treatment modality, including TADs, Invisalign, and conventional braces. MOPs are typically used on teeth with large rotations or those that seem stubborn to move. However, it is best to consult your orthodontist for appropriate treatment options for your case.
References
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31215993/
2.https://www.falsafiortho.com/micro-osteoperforation/