Wilckodontics in Miami, FL
Wilckodontics combines two procedures to achieve optimal results: orthodontic alignment and tooth whitening. Orthodontic alignment involves moving teeth into the proper position using wires and brackets. Tooth whitening uses light therapy to remove stains and discoloration caused by food and drink. Together, these two procedures work synergistically to provide patients with beautiful smiles and healthy teeth.
Wilckodontics Benefits
Patients can complete Wilckodontics treatments in less than 6 months, so they are ideal for busy families. Patients can expect to see a significant improvement in their smile after only a few weeks. In addition to improving appearance, straight teeth can also boost self-confidence and overall well-being. Wilckodontics treatments can treat mild cases of malocclusion, including crowding, crossbite, open bite, and protruding upper front teeth. However, if you have severe misalignment problems, you may need additional orthodontic treatments. To find out whether Wilckodontics is right for you, schedule a consultation at our Gallardo Periodontics & Implant Dentistry office in Miami, FL, today!
Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics
Many people develop crooked teeth or bite imperfections as their adult teeth come in. Although orthodontics has seen many developments in the last few decades, braces are still usually the best way to correct these issues. However, the impact of traditional braces can now be enhanced through a hybrid procedure that combines trusted orthodontics with outpatient periodontal surgery.
This procedure, known as Wilckodontics, is named for the two dental specialist brothers, one an orthodontist and the other a periodontist, who developed the hybrid approach over 20 years ago. Dr. John Paul Gallardo, an award-winning Miami periodontist, is certified and licensed to perform Wilckodontics, also called the accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (AOO) procedure, to help patients achieve straight teeth in less time.
What is Wilckodontics?
Wilckodontics is a combination procedure that aligns a patient’s teeth up to four times faster than traditional braces alone. In reduced treatment times of 3 to 8 months, patients can expect to see a full improvement in their smile.
The AOO procedure is the same as a traditional orthodontic treatment plan, with an added surgical component. After Dr. Gallardo places metal braces on the teeth, he will perform an outpatient periodontal surgery to remove some of the alveolar bone, allowing the teeth to shift more rapidly. Aside from faster treatment times, the advantage of accelerated orthodontics is that the bone heals into a stronger bone structure to help hold the teeth in place.
Why Choose Wilckodontics?
Malocclusion, also known as crooked teeth in dental medicine, can impact dental health in a variety of ways. Teeth that overlap may result in hard-to-reach areas for brushing or flossing, which can lead to cavities. Improperly positioned teeth can also affect a person’s bite, which may cause asymmetrical wear patterns of the teeth. This causes jaw pain and also irreversible changes to the patient’s oral structures, which means that surgical intervention is needed.
The alignment of teeth can impact a person’s confidence and social interactions, as crooked teeth may cause self-consciousness. Additionally, maintaining good dental health is important for overall well-being. The AOO advanced technique can help patients feel more comfortable in social situations.
By choosing the hybrid procedure, patients are less likely to require tooth extraction prior to beginning their orthodontic treatments. Wilckodontics supports optimal oral health by using a scientifically backed method to effectively move the teeth in less time. Demineralized bone promotes faster, more comfortable tooth movement, and AOO is a less painful option in orthodontics because of this.
Through the changes to the alveolar bone, patients will have more predictable tooth movement and increased gum and bone support, which improves and expedites orthodontic correction. The procedure also lessens root resorption, which can occur any time the teeth are repositioned. Root resorption, which is essentially when the root structure dissolves, occurs for different reasons, including orthodontic treatment. Forceful movement of the teeth within the jawbone can affect root health and the long-term viability of the teeth. Since traditional braces move the teeth in this way, they can trigger root resorption when used alone. In conjunction with periodontal surgery that eases tooth movement, however, the teeth are more likely to maintain their root structures.
Periodontists trained in Wilckodontics highly recommend different types of orthodontic care that will best meet individual patients’ needs, and they often conclude appointments by suggesting this advanced method of care. Patients will attend fewer appointments through this method than with the placement of metal braces alone.
Am I a Candidate for Wilckodontics?
To be approved for surgically accelerated tooth straightening, patients must have all their adult teeth. They should be in good dental and periodontal health, completing any major procedures affecting their oral health prior to undergoing AOO. Because the one-time surgery requires anesthesia, patients should be medically cleared for a surgical procedure to ensure their safety. The provider must also consider any prior surgical complications.
Candidates for AOO choose accelerated orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid wearing braces for extended periods of time, typically 1.5-3 years. They may be working professionals who want to maintain their business aesthetic, or they may work in the entertainment industry where braces could affect their earnings. Some younger patients choose to undergo the procedure during summer breaks from school to avoid issues like teasing from their classmates or frequent restroom visits to brush their teeth.
The Wilckodontics Consultation
THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE FROM EACH SPECIALTY
New or existing patients at Dr. Gallardo’s Miami periodontal clinic will need to schedule an appointment for an in-person exam and consultation to determine if they are candidates for Wilckodontics. This generally requires a current dental and periodontal evaluation, including recent X-rays and up-to-date procedures to treat any existing issues involving the teeth and gums.
Dr. Gallardo can discuss the accelerated orthodontic treatment with the patient’s orthodontist to ensure the best care possible from each specialty. In most cases, traditional braces will be placed by the orthodontist prior to the treatment. Various types of braces are currently available including lingual braces, where traditional metal braces are affixed to the back of the teeth, and ceramic braces, where the brackets are composed of a clear material for a more discreet appearance.
Patients should consult their orthodontist and Dr. Gallardo to ensure the treatments will work well as a coordinated dental therapy. Through Wilckodontics, patients can undergo accelerated orthodontic corticotomy therapy on a section of teeth, a full arch, or the entire mouth.
Dr. Gallardo will thoroughly review each patient’s oral health and medical health. Patient safety and the likelihood of an effective outcome are the most important factors he will consider during the visit. If Dr. Gallardo determines that the patient is a candidate for the procedure, he will explain Wilckodontics in-depth and answer the patient’s questions.
Preparing to Undergo Wilckodontics
To prepare for Wilckodontics in Miami, patients need to attend appointments with Dr. Gallardo, their orthodontist, and a general dentist, if necessary. In some cases, diagnostic prerequisites may be needed, like X-rays, for Dr. Gallardo to fully review the patient’s oral anatomy and ensure the teeth and gums are in good health.
Because the Wilckodontics procedure requires a demineralizing process of the alveolar bone, which contains the tooth sockets, the gums should be healthy and free of any infection or disease that could compromise the tissue or final results. Dr. Gallardo is a periodontal specialist and can help patients get their gum health under control before moving forward with AOO.
Patients should fill any medications prior to the day of the procedure. Dr. Gallardo may write prescriptions to control pain, swelling, and infection after the surgery. Patients should also have a family member or friend accompany them to the office to drive them home after surgery. Anesthesia will be necessary for patient comfort and will likely leave them feeling groggy after their discharge.
The Wilckodontics Procedure Explained
A METAL BRACKET IS GLUED TO THE FRONT OF EACH TOOTH
Patients who undergo Wilckodontics will first have braces placed by their orthodontist. The orthodontist will glue a metal bracket to the front of each tooth with a dental adhesive and then place larger metal bands around each of the four back molars to secure the system in place. The orthodontist can remove the wire before the accelerated orthodontic treatment.
Patients will receive local anesthesia with a sedative, or general anesthesia, so that they are either very calm or completely asleep for the full procedure, which can take between 2-4 hours. Dr. Gallardo begins by using a scalpel to separate the gums from the bone, allowing him access to the underlying alveolar bone.
During a process known as a corticotomy, the doctor will create striations in the bone with a surgical tool. The vertical scoring follows a pattern around each tooth that will be repositioned. After creating the marks, Dr. Gallardo can perform hard tissue grafts, as well as soft tissue grafts if necessary. These materials may differ from case to case, and Dr. Gallardo will review the specific details of the surgery with each patient during their procedure consultation appointment. Once he makes all the necessary modifications, Dr. Gallardo will suture the gums back into their original position over the teeth, concealing the bone variations created under the tissue.
Healing from Wilckodontics
The First Day After Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics
After the procedure, patients may notice some discomfort for the first 12-24 hours that they can manage with pain medications and by following a diet of liquids or very soft foods. Dr. Gallardo will suggest any further dietary restrictions or enhanced at-home oral care instructions for each patient as needed. Some general recommendations are to consume only water as a beverage for the first few postoperative days and to be careful when brushing the teeth to avoid disrupting the sutures.
The First Week After Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics
After about a week, the stitches can be removed, and the patient’s orthodontist will replace the wire in the braces. The system will continue to move teeth into their desired position, just at a faster rate. Patients should follow care instructions regarding both the placement of braces as well as the surgery.
Following oral surgery, the bones will engage in a process called osteopenia where excess calcium is produced to heal the cuts in the bone, occurring over about 1-2 months. While the bone remains soft, tooth movement occurs more rapidly. Patients are left with a stronger alveolar bone that helps maintain the newly straight teeth and can enhance facial aesthetics, even replacing the need for other surgeries in some cases.
Possible Side Effects and Risks of Wilckodontics
Dr. Gallardo can discuss any side effects and risks with patients at the consultation appointment. With any out-patient periodontal surgical procedure, patients may experience the following:
| Pain or discomfort during or after the procedure | Infection or other complications | Unfavorable outcome | Permanent damage to structures in the mouth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reaction to anesthesia | Excessive bleeding | Poor healing |
Although it is good to know these risks, they are rare when an expert periodontist like Dr. Gallardo performs the procedure.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Gallardo to Perform Wilckodontics?
John Paul Gallardo, DDS, PA, attended the University of Miami for 3 years before moving on to attend the New York University College of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Gallardo then went on to enter a coveted residency program at the V.A. Medical Center and was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” award for his performance while in formal training. Dr. Gallardo recognized his passion for periodontics and furthered his education by earning a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Boston University.
As a top Miami periodontist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Gallardo performs over 400 surgeries annually. He has achieved mastery in his knowledge of dental anatomy and is precise in his approach. Dr. Gallardo only introduces the safest and most effective modern procedures into his practice. His techniques are advanced and contemporary, and his success rate is unparalleled. Additionally, his equipment and facility are also on the cutting edge of dentistry. Learn more about Dr. Gallardo at Gallardo Periodontics – Dental Implants – IV Sedation.
Articles About Wilckodontics
- NCBI – Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics: An interdisciplinary approach for faster orthodontic therapy
- The Wilckodontics website – What is Wilckodontics® and the AOOTM Procedure?
- ECronicon – Wilckodontics – A Gift of Time
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State-of-the-Art Periodontics with Dr. John Paul Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has 30 years of experience offering dental implants and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Dr. Gallardo is a graduate from the University of Miami and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry.
- Accepted into the V.A. Medical Center General Practice Residency Program of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs where he was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” Award.
- He has lectured nationally and internationally to dentists and hygienists and has been sponsored by companies such as Procter and Gamble to speak on clinical topics related to gum disease and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Gallardo remains a leader in periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilckodontics
Are Wilckodontics results stable?
Wilckodontics results are incredibly stable and long-lasting. The Wilckodontics procedure accelerates the straightening of teeth through a combination of bone grafts and orthodontic treatment. This reduces the amount of time that patients spend in braces, as well as the need for additional corrective solutions down the road. By utilizing this advanced technique, patients can quickly achieve straightened teeth in a shorter treatment period with results that will last for years to come. It is truly the perfect solution for those looking for a fast and long-lasting corrective solution.
How long will Wilckodontics take?
Wilckodontics is an advanced orthodontic treatment that helps reduce the overall time required for orthodontic treatment. Depending on the severity of your periodontal issues, some patients may find that their initial treatment time is reduced by up to 50%. In addition to a reduction in treatment time, patients can experience straighter teeth and a healthier smile. With Wilckodontics, you could be on your way to having a beautiful smile in less time than other traditional orthodontic procedures.
What are the advantages of Wilckodontics over traditional braces?
Wilckodontics provides patients with a number of advantages over traditional braces. One of the primary advantages is that Wilckodontics can help reduce the amount of time that patients must wear braces to attain straight teeth. Wilckodontics accelerates the straightening process through bone grafts and orthodontic treatment, which reduces the amount of time for corrective solutions. Additionally, because it is an advanced technique, Wilckodontics results are incredibly stable, providing patients with a fast and effective corrective solution that will last for many years to come.
How fast will Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics change my smile?
In most cases, tooth movement will occur up to four times as fast as wearing traditional braces alone. Patients will generally have their metal braces for 3 to 8 months total with AOO, which was designed to provide the fastest results possible without compromising on the quality of the permanent results orthodontic treatments can yield.
How much do Wilckodontics cost?
Wilckodontics requires two specialists to perform different treatment steps – Miami periodontist Dr. John Paul Gallardo and the patient’s orthodontist – so there will be fees associated with each phase of correction.
Because the braces are worn for a shorter period of time, there will be fewer orthodontic appointments necessary, which can lower the cost associated with the orthodontist. Wilckodontics requires a single outpatient periodontal surgery, performed by Dr. Gallardo. The total cost of treatment will range from $11,000-$20,000, though a number of insurance plans will provide some coverage.
Is it painful to undergo Wilckodontics?
There may be some discomfort when a patient has their braces tightened, and directly after the corticotomy, but these can typically be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Because the alveolar bone will be softer, tooth movement will not only be faster but also easier and more comfortable. Patients who have worn braces alone during their youth and have undergone AOO as an adult report that AOO is less painful.
What are the benefits of Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics?
AOO offers patients a number of benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons patients may opt to enhance their braces through the AOO procedure:
• Wilckodontics can move teeth faster
• Many find the procedure less painful than wearing any type of braces alone
• The alveolar bone will be stronger than before the procedure
• Patients of AOO undergo fewer extractions
• The procedure was introduced over 20 years ago and has proven to be safe and effective
What is the difference between Wilckodontics and AOO?
Wilckodontics is another name for Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO). The procedure is also referred to by non-trademarked names like periodontally-accelerated osteogenic orthodontics, accelerated orthodontics, or corticotomy-induced orthodontics.
What are other ways to improve oral and dental aesthetics?
Teeth whitening, repairing chips in the teeth, and plastic surgery of the gums are all excellent ways to create a better-looking smile. Visit Dr. Gallardo’s Miami office to learn more about his procedures that improve the form and function of the teeth and gums.
What wilckodontics office is near me?
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