The Propel technology is used in orthodontics to speed up the movement of teeth. The procedure stimulates cell activity to increase bone turnover by making small perforations in the bone. It is used in combination with orthodontic treatments like traditional braces and Invisalign to get patients results faster and increase practice efficiency. By affecting the biology of tooth movement, Propel can cut the time that braces need to be worn in half. While the technology can be used to decrease treatment time for any patient it is particularly useful for patients who have passed their expected treatment time and want to get their braces off quickly.
How Does Propel Work?
Propel involves creating small osteo-perforations to speed up the production of bone. This patented process to stimulate alveolar bone is called alveocentesis. Traumatizing bone increases inflammatory cytokines, leading to faster bone turnover. The procedure involves first numbing the area, then using a specialized device for making small perforations according to the Propel protocol. Many orthodontists are becoming interested in utilizing this technology but do not frequently use anesthesia in their everyday practice. In most cases infiltrative local anesthesia is not required and patients respond well to using a topical anesthetic gel.
Topical Anesthestic for Propel
Using a profound topical anesthetic gel is important when performing a Propel procedure. The recommended anesthetic gel to use with Propel is “The Baddest Topical in Town” (BTT 12.5). BTT 12.5 is used for many dental procedures and is one of the most popular dental products we make at Park Compounding Pharmacy. It is frequently used as a pre-injection topical anesthetic but can also be used as an alternative to injections. BTT 12.5 is recommended by Propel Orthodontics for use before a Propel procedure along with another topical anesthetic we make called Profound gel.
What is in BTT 12.5 Topical Anesthetic Gel?
BTT 12.5 is an effective combination of three anesthetic ingredients and a vasoconstrictor. It includes lidocaine 12.5%, tetracaine 12.5%, prilocaine 3%, and phenylephrine 3% in an extra-thick gel. When you purchase BTT 12.5 it comes with an oral syringe and adaptor for application. The Baddest Topical in Town also comes in a thick plasticized ointment base that can be applied with a Q-Tip. Five different flavors are available to make it more palatable to patients.
How is BTT 12.5 Used for Propel?
There are two main ways to apply BTT 12.5 gel before Propel. The first is using a disposable oral syringe to apply the gel to the dried mucosa. The second way is to first take a strip of gauze and apply the gel to the strips. The strip with gel is then applied to the area where Propel will be used. In both cases BTT 12.5 should be applied to both fixed and movable mucosa and allowed to sit for four minutes. If after testing the area for numbness the patient still experiences pain then the application process should be repeated. Whichever method of applying BTT 12.5 is chosen it is important to follow the Propel protocols.
Topical Anesthesia Instructions from Propel Orthodontics:
- Dry the field
- Apply gel
- Wait for gel to take affect (4 minutes)
- Remove gel (suction and rinse)
- Wait 3-5 minutes and then test effect with perio probe
- Reapply if necessary
Here is an excellent video on using The Baddest Topical in Town as part of the protocol.
Topical Anesthetic Helps Patients
Telling patients that you will be using a topical numbing gel for a simple in-office treatment is a great way to sell accelerated orthodontics. Hesitation about a minimally invasive procedure can be reduced with the reminder that the patient will not feel any pain. The Propel procedure is easy, only takes a few minutes, and there is no downtime. Through the use of topical anesthetic like BTT 12.5 along with Propel, patients can shorten the amount of time they have to wear braces and feel great about the quality of service you and your office provide.