Propel

What is Propel?

Propel, or micro-osteoperforations, is a technology that stimulates bone remodeling, allowing the teeth to move 50% faster and more effectively in the direction we want them to go.

What Can Propel Be Used For?

We know that the rate that bone remodels determines the speed of tooth movement and a patients treatment time. Propel aids this process and can applied to clear aligners/Invisalign and metal bracket systems.

How Does it Work?

This is all done through a procedure call Alveocentesis. Alveocentesis stimulates the production of alveolar bone in the upper and lower jaw, so that as the teeth shift into position, the bone that holds teeth in place can adjust better to the moving teeth.

What are the Benefits?

Increased efficiency
Shift teeth faster, shorter treatment time
Heal tissue fast
Stimulate bone development
Supplement and enhance the process of orthodontic treatment
Micro-invasive
No patient recovery time needed

Assisting During Propel

To assist during propel is simple. The patient should have been scheduled enough time for propel to take place (45 min- 60 min appointment depending on the area). At the beginning off the appointment the doctor will come over and get the patient numb with 1 carp lidocaine.

While the patient is getting numb, you can advance wires upper and lower as needed. The doctor would have determined this when he came over to get the patient numb. After the patient is tied in they should be nice and numb. The doctor will come back over to the chair and you should already have the propel driver ready to go (as seen below).

The doctor will use his finger to retract the area, so no cotton or cheek retractors are needed. After the doctor does one perforation or a series, you are going to have small cottons at hand to either wipe away the blood, or to tuck under the lip as the doctor moves to the next area. The surgical suction is also great to have at hand, while the doctor is doing a series of perforations and a cotton roll would get in the way. It can get messy, so you want to make sure that you are keeping it as dry and clear as you can for the doctor. The patient can leave the cotton in if desired for 20 minutes to help the bleeding stop.

Make sure to take good photos after the procedure! This is important to check progress, as it is for every patient, but also to check progress and make sure that the propel is working!

Instructions:

Use Cotton rolls as needed- You can give the patient a baggie of cotton to take home
No ibuprofen for pain, TYLENOL only!! It will restrict the inflammation which is the opposite affect of what we want the propel to do!
Warm salt water rinses for 3 days morning and night for patient comfort- 8oz warm water and 1tsp salt, gargle and swish until gone.
Good oral hygiene and brushing of the area
Propel is typically only done every 12 weeks, so every other visit if their treatment plan calls for it. The patient should be properly scheduled. If they are not scheduled and you are unsure, ask!!
No follow up is needed, we will just see the patient back at their next regular archwire appointment

Report abuse