Research Progress and Prospect of Orthodontic Accelerating Device

Abstract

Background: Malocclusion is a disease with a high incidence rate that is harmful to humans’ health. Fixed orthodontics is an effective method for the treatment of malocclusion. However, the orthodontic process takes a long time, requires frequent visits, causes pain, and increases the risk of complications. Since orthodontic treatment is lengthy, painful and unbearable, and even leads patients to abandon orthodontic treatment, therefore, how to shorten orthodontic treatment duration, and reduce pain is a research hotspot in the orthodontic field. Objective: The study aimed to provide an overview of the existing orthodontic accelerating device and introduce their classification, characteristics and development. Methods: This paper reviewed various productions and patents related to the orthodontic accelerating device. The structural characteristics, differentiations, and applications of the existing orthodontic accelerating device are also introduced. Results: The existing orthodontic accelerating devices were analyzed and compared, and the typical characteristics were concluded. The main problems in its development were analyzed, the development trend was foreseen, and the current and future research on the productions and patents related to the orthodontic accelerating device is discussed. Conclusion: The orthodontic accelerating device is composed of a vibration device having electrical stimulation, magnetic field, a low-level laser, and an ultrasonic device according to the application of different physical loads. Orthodontic accelerating device can effectively reduce orthodontic treatment time by 30%-50%, and can reduce the risk of complications and pain. The dose of the physical load determines the effect of the device. So, an optimal loading dose should be selected . Compared with vibrating devices, other types of devices are less used in clinical practice, therefore, such products and patents should be invented in the future.