OrthoAccel Technologies Inc, Houston, developers of the AcceleDent System, an acceleration device for orthodontics, has announced that Gerry Bellman, MSc, BDS, FDS, DOrth, RCS, recently used the device to treat its first patient outside the United States.

AcceleDent is a removable dental device that patients wear in the mouth for 20 minutes daily. According to the company, it generates a light, microvibration force that modulates the bone tissue remodeling process and accelerates orthodontic tooth movement. The device is hands-free.

Bellman’s patient is a 28-year-old female initially being treated with a fixed orthodontic appliance, with a treatment plan to later include a clear aligner. Bellman said, "I was very excited to fit the first AcceleDent appliance to a patient in the UK. It was extremely easy to fit, and my patient found it very simple to position in her mouth and use. I look forward to monitoring the accelerated movement of her teeth over the coming months."

Results from the initial clinical trial demonstrated an overall tooth movement rate of 2.1 mm per month, which is 30% to 50% faster than what is reported in the literature. This same study included a detailed measurement and statistical analysis of root resorption yielding mean values below 0.5 mm.

The device has been studied to verify that it safely reduces treatment duration for wearing braces by applying gentle pulsing forces in combination with standard orthodontics to move teeth faster through accelerated bone remodeling. The device works with all existing orthodontic technologies, according to the company.AcceleDent is neither FDA-cleared nor FDA-approved; it is currently investigational only in the United States.