Wilkodontics - Pittsfield, MA

Straight teeth in less time

wilkodontics patient smiling after procedure Pittsfield, MA

accelerated orthodontics

For many, conventional orthodontics means wearing uncomfortable brackets and wires for 18 to 24 months. Some patients with complex cases may be in braces for much longer.

Periodontically Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO), or Wilckodontics, is an advanced technique that can straighten most patient’s teeth within three to eight months. This accelerated orthodontic treatment allows patients to get the beautiful, straight smile they want more quickly. This option is especially appealing to adult patients who do not want to spend years in braces and appliances. Younger patients also qualify for PAOO treatment, allowing them to finish their course of orthodontics quickly.

Wilckodontics allows the doctor to fast track orthodontic treatments by incorporating changes to the surrounding bone structure to accompany repositioning of the teeth. While traditional orthodontics focuses solely on the forces applied to the teeth, rapid orthodontics alters the bone in the process as well as the forces on the teeth, facilitating faster movement. Our office performs PAOO procedures and has seen lasting, beautiful results. Their patients are able to get the beautiful, straight smile they want but without the years or traditional braces.

How it Works

In the past, if a patient asked their orthodontist if it was possible to start and finish their orthodontic treatment within 8 to 12 months they would have been told that it would not likely be possible. However, with Wilckodontics, it is not possible to complete your orthodontic treatment in time for a wedding, vacation, graduation, or other special event!

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Before the Procedure

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Before the Procedure

If you and your orthodontist decide that Periodontically Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO) is recommended for you, you will first have a PAOO-specific appliance placed on your teeth. You will then visit our office where a complete set of x-rays will be taken and you will meet with your doctor to discuss the procedure. Prior to beginning your PAOO treatment, ask the doctor about how you can prepare for the surgical procedure. They can inform you about what to expect during the procedure and after so that you can plan in advance for adjustments to your daily routine.

The Procedure

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The Procedure

A local anesthetic will be applied to the gums where the surgery will be performed. During the procedure, some of the alveolar bone material is removed. The alveolar bone is bone in the jaw that supports and surrounds your teeth. Removing some of the bone’s external surface allows the teeth to be repositioned quickly as the bone re-mineralizes. New bone begins to mineralize within 20-55 days. While the bone is in this transient state, braces can move your teeth rapidly because the bone is softer and has less resistance to the force of braces. This initial periodontal surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure, which in some cases helps patients avoid complex and costly orthogenathic surgery (the repositioning of the jaw).

After the surgery, your orthodontist will then be able to adjust the appliances in order to move the teeth to the desired position. These adjustments will be made approximately every two weeks. After the teeth have been repositioned, the surrounding bone will regenerate and solidify the results.

While most patients can be treated using the PAOO method, it is important to seek evaluation from an orthodontist to ensure that this treatment method is appropriate for you. Your orthodontist and our office will work closely together to ensure that your procedure, and the subsequent orthodontics, results in a beautiful new smile.

Wilkodontics FAQ’s

Dr. Thomas Wilcko, a periodontist, and Dr. William Wilcko, an orthodontist, developed the Wilckodontics procedure in 1995 in Erie, PA. Both were interested in methods of growing bone and how they could modify existing methods to work orthodontically. Since the development of the PAOO method, the procedure has been thoroughly studied and observed. Research has shown that PAOO results are stable and long-lasting, comparable to traditional orthodontics. 

Rapid orthodontics is typically slightly more expensive than traditional orthodontics. The costs include anesthesia, surgery, and the orthodontic services. Most insurance plans do not cover PAOO surgery at this time. However, check with your insurance plan to find out if you are covered for all or part of the procedure. If your dental plan covers braces, the orthodontic portion of the procedure may be covered. 

Periodontists are highly trained to perform the oral surgery that is needed for the first part of the rapid orthodontics treatment. The doctor has also had additional training in the Wilckodontics course. Currently, only about 300 dental professionals in the world are trained to perform the procedure. You will also need to see an orthodontist to complete the second half of treatment: the actual movement of the teeth. Orthodontists specialize in the movement of teeth and are needed to supervise and complete the orthodontic treatment.

Recovery after the surgical treatment can take between seven to ten days. You may experience some swelling, which can be treated using ice packs. You may be prescribed a painkiller. You will also need to use a special mouthwash, as you will not be able to brush your teeth. 

Rapid orthodontics can be performed on patients of any age. However, patients who do not have good periodontal health, have bone loss, root damage, or poor roots you may need additional procedures prior to beginning treatment. Also, patients with diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or who take regular NSAIDs may not qualify for PAOO. 

find out if we can straighten your smile faster

learn more in a consultation with our periodontist.

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