One of the most common questions I hear from adult patients considering braces or clear aligners is some version of: "Is there any way to make this go faster?" The honest answer is yes, there are legitimate methods to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. The more complicated answer is that these methods vary enormously in how well they actually work, how invasive they are, what the evidence says, and who stands to benefit the most from each one.
I've been a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016 and have performed corticotomy-assisted orthodontics on hundreds of patients. I've also worked alongside orthodontists whose patients have used Propel and AcceleDent. That range of experience gives me a perspective that's grounded in clinical results, not marketing claims. In this article, I'm going to walk through all three methods honestly, explain the science behind each one, and help you figure out which approach, if any, makes sense for your situation.
Why Teeth Move Slowly in the First Place
Before comparing solutions, it helps to understand the problem. Teeth don't slide through bone the way a post slides through sand. Orthodontic tooth movement is a biological process: when your orthodontist applies force to a tooth, the bone on the pressure side is resorbed by cells called osteoclasts, while new bone is deposited on the tension side by osteoblasts. This remodeling cycle takes time, and it's the rate-limiting step in every orthodontic case. Wires and aligners can only move teeth as fast as your body can remodel the bone around them.
All three accelerated orthodontics methods attempt to speed up this bone remodeling cycle, but they do so in fundamentally different ways, with very different levels of scientific support. Understanding those differences is the key to making a good decision. If you're already wondering whether you might be a candidate, our guide on candidacy for accelerated orthodontics covers the specifics.
The Three Methods, Explained
Wilckodontics (Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics)
Wilckodontics, also called corticotomy-assisted orthodontics or Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), is a surgical procedure performed by a periodontist in coordination with your orthodontist. I make small, precise cuts in the outer layer of cortical bone around the teeth being moved, then place a bone graft over the treated area. These controlled corticotomies trigger a well-documented biological response called the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP), which temporarily increases bone turnover in the surgical area by three to five times the normal rate. The bone grafting simultaneously thickens the alveolar bone, which can allow teeth to be moved into positions that would otherwise risk root exposure or fenestration.
The result is a treatment window of about four to six months during which tooth movement is dramatically accelerated. Cases that would normally take 18 to 24 months can often be completed in 6 to 10 months. Because the procedure also adds bone volume, it expands the safe envelope for tooth movement, meaning we can often achieve orthodontic corrections that would be risky or impossible with conventional mechanics alone.
Propel (Micro-Osteoperforations)
Propel uses a small handheld device to create tiny perforations in the bone near the teeth being moved, a technique called micro-osteoperforations (MOPs). The principle is similar to corticotomy in that it aims to trigger the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, but the intervention is much less extensive. No flap is raised, no bone graft is placed, and the procedure typically takes under 15 minutes in the orthodontist's or periodontist's chair. Propel is usually repeated every six to eight weeks throughout treatment to sustain the acceleratory effect.
The theory is sound: creating controlled micro-trauma in the bone should increase local inflammation and accelerate the remodeling cycle. In practice, however, the clinical evidence for Propel is mixed. Some studies show a modest acceleration of tooth movement in the range of 20 to 30 percent, while others show no statistically significant improvement over conventional orthodontics alone. The smaller biological stimulus may simply not be enough to produce the dramatic RAP response that corticotomy reliably generates.
AcceleDent (Vibration Therapy)
AcceleDent is a patient-operated device that delivers low-frequency, low-amplitude vibration through a mouthpiece for 20 minutes daily. The theory behind it draws on studies suggesting that mechanical vibration may enhance bone remodeling and cellular activity. The patient simply bites on the device at home each day while wearing their aligners or between orthodontic appointments.
The appeal is obvious: a completely non-invasive, at-home approach with no surgery and no downtime. However, the independent evidence has been disappointing. Multiple well-designed randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate a clinically meaningful reduction in treatment time with vibrational devices compared to orthodontics alone. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have concluded that the current body of evidence does not support vibration therapy as an effective method for accelerating tooth movement. The FDA cleared AcceleDent as a safe device, but FDA clearance for Class II devices does not require proof of efficacy.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The following table puts the three methods side by side on the factors that matter most to patients. Keep in mind that individual results vary, and these represent general ranges based on the published literature and my clinical experience.
| Factor | Wilckodontics | Propel | AcceleDent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Corticotomy cuts + bone graft | Micro-osteoperforations (small bone punctures) | Low-frequency vibration via mouthpiece |
| Who performs it | Periodontist or oral surgeon | Orthodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon | Patient (at home) |
| Procedure time | 60 to 90 minutes (one session) | 10 to 15 minutes (repeated every 6 to 8 weeks) | 20 minutes daily (patient self-administered) |
| Invasiveness | Moderate (surgical, local anesthesia, sedation available) | Minimal (local anesthesia, minor discomfort) | None (non-invasive) |
| Treatment time reduction | 50 to 70 percent | 20 to 30 percent (inconsistent in studies) | Not supported by independent evidence |
| Evidence strength | Strong: over 20 years of published data, multiple clinical studies | Moderate: some positive studies, several showing no significant effect | Weak: multiple RCTs show no significant acceleration |
| Adds bone volume | Yes (bone graft thickens the ridge) | No | No |
| Recovery | Moderate: swelling 5 to 10 days, most return to work in 2 to 3 days | Mild: minor soreness for 1 to 2 days | None |
| Best candidate | Adults with moderate to severe crowding, thin bone, or complex cases | Patients wanting modest acceleration with minimal intervention | Uncertain, given lack of evidence for efficacy |
| Approximate cost | $3,000 to $7,000 (one-time surgical fee) | $500 to $2,000 (cumulative, multiple sessions) | $600 to $1,000 (device purchase) |
| Works with aligners | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What the Evidence Actually Says
I want to be transparent about the research because this is where marketing and reality diverge most sharply.
Wilckodontics has the deepest evidence base of the three. The technique was developed and refined by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko beginning in the late 1990s, and the published literature now spans over two decades. Peer-reviewed studies consistently demonstrate significant acceleration of tooth movement, with reduction in treatment time typically ranging from 50 to 70 percent. The addition of bone grafting has been shown in cone-beam CT studies to increase alveolar bone thickness, which represents a genuine periodontal benefit beyond mere speed. Systematic reviews support corticotomy-assisted orthodontics as the most evidence-backed method for clinically significant acceleration.
Propel occupies a middle ground. The biological rationale is plausible, and some clinical studies have reported faster tooth movement in the treated areas. However, several randomized controlled trials have found no statistically significant difference in the rate of tooth movement between sides treated with micro-osteoperforations and untreated control sides. The inconsistency in results may relate to the fact that micro-osteoperforations create a much smaller biological stimulus than full corticotomies, and the RAP response may not reach the threshold needed for clinically meaningful acceleration in every patient.
AcceleDent has the weakest evidence profile. While the manufacturer's early studies were promising, subsequent independent randomized controlled trials, including several well-designed split-mouth studies, have failed to demonstrate that vibrational devices produce faster tooth movement than orthodontics alone. A 2022 Cochrane-quality systematic review concluded that the available evidence does not support the use of vibration for accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. This doesn't mean the device is harmful. It simply means that based on current evidence, spending 20 minutes a day with the device may not produce a measurable benefit in treatment speed.
A note on honesty: I have a professional stake in Wilckodontics. I'm a certified provider and I perform the procedure regularly. I've tried to present the evidence for all three methods as objectively as I can, and I'd encourage you to discuss the published research with both your orthodontist and your periodontist before making a decision.
Who Benefits Most from Each Method
Accelerated orthodontics is not for everyone, and the right method depends on your specific clinical situation, your timeline, and your tolerance for a surgical procedure.
Wilckodontics is strongest for:
- Adults with moderate to severe crowding who want the largest possible reduction in treatment time
- Patients with thin alveolar bone who would benefit from the added bone volume that grafting provides
- Complex orthodontic cases involving significant tooth movement, such as extraction cases or cases requiring substantial arch expansion
- Patients preparing for a major life event (a wedding, a career change, a military deployment) who need treatment completed within a defined window
- Retreatment cases where a patient has had orthodontics before and relapsed
Propel may be reasonable for:
- Patients who want some acceleration but are not willing to undergo a surgical procedure
- Cases with localized slow movement where targeted micro-osteoperforations at a specific site might help
- Patients whose orthodontist recommends it as part of a treatment plan and who understand the evidence is mixed
AcceleDent is non-invasive and risk-free, but given the current evidence, I cannot recommend it as a reliable method for reducing treatment time. If a patient wants to use it for comfort (some patients report that vibration reduces orthodontic soreness after adjustments), that's a reasonable personal choice, but the expectation should not be faster treatment.
Not sure where you fall? Our accelerated orthodontics candidacy guide walks through the clinical factors in detail, and our orthodontics overview covers the full range of treatment options available at our practice.
What a Wilckodontics Procedure Involves
Since Wilckodontics is the method I perform and the one most patients have questions about, here's what the experience actually looks like from start to finish.
Your orthodontist places your braces or begins your aligner treatment first. Once the orthodontic appliances are in place, you come to my office for the surgical appointment, usually within the first few weeks of treatment. Under local anesthesia, with sedation available if you prefer, I make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the bone around the teeth being moved. I then create precise, shallow corticotomy cuts in the cortical bone and place particulate bone graft material over the area. The gum tissue is sutured back into place, and the entire procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Post-operatively, expect moderate swelling that peaks around day two or three and resolves over 7 to 10 days. Most patients take two to three days off from work or school. Discomfort is managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Within about two weeks, your orthodontist begins accelerating the rate of tooth movement, taking advantage of the RAP window. Adjustment appointments may occur every two to three weeks instead of the traditional four to six weeks.
The bonus benefit: Wilckodontics is the only accelerated orthodontics method that actually adds bone. The bone graft thickens the alveolar ridge, which can improve the long-term periodontal support around the teeth and reduce the risk of gum recession during or after orthodontic treatment. For patients with thin bone, this can be a significant clinical advantage. Learn more about how bone grafting works on our bone regeneration page.
The Bottom Line
If you're serious about significantly reducing your orthodontic treatment time and you're willing to undergo a one-time surgical procedure, Wilckodontics has the strongest evidence, the most dramatic results, and the added benefit of building bone around your teeth. If you want a lighter-touch option and understand that the acceleration may be modest and inconsistent, Propel is a reasonable middle ground to discuss with your orthodontist. If you're hoping a vibration device will meaningfully shorten your treatment, the independent research, unfortunately, doesn't support that expectation.
Every patient I see for an accelerated orthodontics consultation gets the same thing: a thorough periodontal evaluation, a 3D CBCT scan to assess bone thickness and anatomy, and an honest conversation about what we can realistically achieve in their specific case. That evaluation is done in close coordination with their orthodontist, because the surgical and orthodontic components have to work as a unified plan. If you're in orthodontic treatment or about to start, and you'd like to explore whether acceleration makes sense for you, that's the right first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster is Wilckodontics compared to regular braces?
Wilckodontics typically reduces total orthodontic treatment time by 50 to 70 percent. A case that would normally take 24 months with conventional braces or aligners can often be completed in 6 to 10 months. The acceleration comes from a controlled surgical procedure called corticotomy, which temporarily increases bone turnover around the teeth, combined with bone grafting that strengthens and thickens the jawbone as the teeth move into their final positions. This is a significantly greater speed improvement than either Propel or AcceleDent can achieve.
Is AcceleDent actually effective for speeding up orthodontic treatment?
The evidence for AcceleDent is mixed. The device delivers low-frequency vibrations through a mouthpiece for 20 minutes daily, and the manufacturer's initial studies suggested meaningful acceleration. However, multiple independent randomized controlled trials published since then have failed to show a statistically significant difference in treatment time compared to orthodontics alone. Several systematic reviews have concluded that the current evidence does not support vibration therapy as an effective method for accelerating tooth movement. AcceleDent received FDA clearance as a Class II medical device, which means it was cleared for safety but not required to demonstrate clinical efficacy through rigorous trials.
Does Wilckodontics hurt more than Propel?
Wilckodontics is a more involved procedure than Propel, performed under local anesthesia with sedation available, and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Post-operative discomfort is moderate, similar to having several teeth extracted, and most patients manage well with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication for a few days. Swelling peaks around day two or three and resolves within a week to ten days. Propel is quicker and less invasive, usually taking under 15 minutes, with mild soreness lasting a day or two. However, Wilckodontics is a single procedure that accelerates the entire course of treatment, while Propel is typically repeated every six to eight weeks. Both are well-tolerated by patients.
Can accelerated orthodontics work with Invisalign, or only with traditional braces?
All three methods can be used with both traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Wilckodontics and Propel are surgical adjuncts performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon, and the orthodontist manages the tooth movement with whichever appliance the patient is already wearing. AcceleDent is a patient-operated vibration device that works independently of the appliance type. In practice, the combination of Wilckodontics with clear aligners is particularly popular among adult patients who want both the fastest possible treatment and the most discreet appliance.
Find Out If Accelerated Orthodontics Is Right for You
Dr. Ahn is a certified Wilckodontics provider with over a decade of experience in accelerated orthodontics. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options and get a personalized treatment timeline here in Costa Mesa, serving all of Orange County.
Schedule Your ConsultationDr. Chanook David Ahn, DMD
Yale-trained, board-certified periodontist and clinical faculty at UCLA. Specializes in periodontal disease treatment, dental implants, bone regeneration, gum grafting, and advanced surgical techniques including LANAP laser therapy and Wilckodontics.
Dr. Ahn is dedicated to evidence-based treatment and helping patients save their natural teeth. He practices at The Loft Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California, serving the greater Orange County area.