Traditional orthodontic treatments are the go-to solution for correcting misaligned teeth. However, these traditional methods often require a bigger time commitment, with the average treatment time being around 20 months. 

This timeline can deter many patients from committing to orthodontic treatment, leading them to postpone or avoid orthodontic care altogether. Adjunctive orthodontics offers an innovative approach that dramatically reduces treatment times by using advanced techniques to accelerate tooth movement. This innovative treatment option allows patients to achieve their desired results in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. 

Read on to discover how adjunctive orthodontics works and where to find the best orthodontist in Beverly Hills.

What Conditions Can Adjunctive Orthodontics Help With?

Adjunctive therapy refers to any dental treatment done before, during, or after other treatments. More specifically, adjunctive orthodontics combines traditional orthodontic techniques with additional procedures or technologies to enhance and accelerate tooth movement of the upper and lower teeth. By working in conjunction with conventional orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners, this treatment works to achieve faster and more efficient results. Common dental issues that can be addressed with adjunctive orthodontics include:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Overbites and underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites
  • Misaligned jaw positions
  • Narrow dental arches
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

With supplemental treatments, dentists can provide more comprehensive and efficient care — ultimately improving patient satisfaction and achieving better long-term results.

What are the Benefits of Adjunctive Orthodontics?

The most significant benefit of this treatment is the substantial reduction in the time it takes to straighten teeth. This process not only leads to faster, more visible results and fewer overall appointments but also minimizes the risk of root resorption and decalcification associated with prolonged treatment. 

Adjunctive therapies are attractive solutions that balance efficiency with effectiveness for adults with time constraints or those who are hesitant about lengthy dental treatment commitments. 

What Types of Adjunctive Treatments are Commonly Used in Orthodontics?

As you know by now, orthodontic treatment is typically not a straightforward process — it often involves extra procedures to tackle specific issues, speed up treatment, or improve overall results. Frequently used adjunctive treatments in orthodontics consist of:

  • Orthodontic surgery to correct severe skeletal discrepancies such as overbites or underbites. 
  • Dental implants for replacing missing teeth and restoring proper tooth alignment and bite. 
  • Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) — placed temporarily in the jawbone to provide additional support for moving teeth in complex cases. 
  • Palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw, improving the alignment of teeth and bite. 
  • Extraction of teeth to create space for proper alignment of the remaining teeth. 
  • Corticotomy — a surgical procedure that accelerates tooth movement by making small cuts in the bone surrounding the teeth. 
  • Veneers or crowns to improve the aesthetics or functionality of teeth

How do I know if Adjunctive Orthodontics is Right For Me?

Typically, adjunctive therapy is best for people who:

  • Want to move their teeth into corrected positions faster 
  • Have complex dental issues, such as a misaligned bite or conditions that affect the jaw joints
  • Have previously undergone dental treatment
  • Require additional pressure on the teeth to move them into the proper positions
  • Have previous tooth extractions that now require restorative treatments like dental implants 
  • Have sleep apnea
  • Need other dental procedures or orthodontic appliances like palatal expanders

However, certain medical conditions, age factors, or those with active periodontal disease may not be ideal candidates for this treatment. Ultimately, a thorough consultation with a dental professional is the only way to determine if adjunctive therapy is the best approach for you.

Where to Find the Best Orthodontist in Beverly Hills for Adjunctive Orthodontics 

At West LA Orthodontics, we realize the importance and power of a camera-ready smile. Choosing adjunctive orthodontics to accelerate your treatment is significant, but you don't have to navigate this decision solo! Dr. Jonathan Shouhed and the expert team are here to provide personalized guidance throughout your adjunctive orthodontics treatment in Beverly Hills.

As a leader in modern dental care, Dr. Shouhed offers state-of-the-art orthodontic solutions and exceptional, patient-centered treatment. His high commitment to innovation and patient comfort makes West LA Orthodontics the premier orthodontic practice for both adults and children in Beverly Hills.

Ready to get fast and precise orthodontic treatment from the best orthodontist in Beverly Hills?