Let’s be honest; braces and aligners are amazing, but waiting 18 to 24 months for results? That part isn’t so exciting. Whether you’re wearing traditional braces or Invisalign trays, the countdown to a straighter smile can feel like it’s moving in slow motion.
That’s where Propel comes in. It’s not a replacement for braces or aligners, it’s the turbo boost. This modern technology is designed to help your teeth move faster and more efficiently, potentially cutting your treatment time in half. And no, it doesn’t involve magic or shortcuts—it’s all backed by science.
At Significance Orthodontics, we’re always on the lookout for ways to make your orthodontic experience more comfortable, effective, and efficient. Propel is one of those game-changing tools that gets results without adding hassle.
What Is Propel and How Does It Work?
If you’ve never heard of Propel, you’re not alone. Even though it’s been FDA-approved and used by orthodontists across the U.S. for years, many patients are still discovering just how powerful it can be.
Propel is a device and treatment system designed to stimulate the bone around your teeth, accelerating the natural process that occurs during orthodontic movement. To understand how it works, it helps to know what’s happening behind the scenes of your braces or aligners.
When your orthodontist adjusts your braces or gives you a new set of aligners, your teeth don’t just shift because of pressure. They move because your bone remodels—breaking down in certain areas and building up in others to allow the teeth to reposition.
This is a normal, natural biological process, but it can be slow.
Propel speeds things up by making tiny micro-perforations (also known as micro-osteoperforations) in the bone tissue surrounding your teeth. These small punctures stimulate the body’s natural inflammatory response, which kickstarts bone remodeling and allows your teeth to move more quickly.
It sounds intense. Is it?
Actually, the procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and often requires no downtime. It’s done in-office and usually takes less than 20 minutes. Most patients report only mild discomfort—comparable to the pressure you might feel after a braces tightening or when you switch to a new aligner.
And here’s the best part: because the micro-perforations are so small and strategically placed, your gums and surrounding tissues aren’t harmed. Propel simply tells your body, “Hey, let’s move things along.”
Is Propel Safe and Effective?
Understandably, safety is one of the first things people ask about when they hear about Propel. After all, anything that’s making changes to your bone tissue should come with some serious science behind it.
The good news? It does.
Propel has been cleared by the FDA and studied in clinical trials. Orthodontists across the world are using it to help patients reduce treatment times without compromising results. At Significance Orthodontics, we only introduce new technologies after thoroughly evaluating their safety, effectiveness, and how well they align with our patient-first philosophy.
So what can you expect?
Most people who use Propel with their orthodontic treatment see results faster—sometimes up to 50% faster than with braces or Invisalign alone. That means if your braces were originally expected to take 18 months, you might be able to finish in 9 to 12 months instead.
Of course, results vary. Propel is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Its effectiveness depends on several factors:
- The complexity of your orthodontic case
- How consistently you wear your aligners (if using Invisalign)
- How your body responds to the micro-perforations
- Whether you combine it with other tools (like vibration devices)
Is it painful?
Most patients say the procedure is tolerable, especially when done with a local anesthetic. You may feel some pressure, but the discomfort is usually short-lived. It’s similar to getting dental impressions or having a routine adjustment.
There may be mild tenderness at the perforation sites for a day or two, but nothing that should stop you from going to work, school, or carrying on with your daily routine. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all you’ll need—if anything.
Who Is a Candidate for Propel?
Not every orthodontic patient needs Propel, but many are great candidates for it. It’s especially helpful if you:
- Are looking to reduce the time you’ll spend in braces or aligners
- Have a special event coming up (like a wedding or graduation)
- Are an adult who wants discreet, accelerated treatment
- Are dealing with slower-than-average tooth movement
- Have complex tooth movements that need a little extra help
- Have already had braces once and are trying to re-correct shifts
Can it be used with Invisalign?
Absolutely. In fact, Propel and Invisalign are a perfect match. Since Invisalign trays are replaced every 1–2 weeks, Propel can help your teeth shift fast enough to keep up with that schedule—sometimes even allowing you to change trays faster than originally planned.
What about traditional braces?
Propel works just as well with brackets and wires. If your treatment includes more complex shifts or root movement, adding Propel into the mix may help reduce the need for extractions or lengthy phases of adjustment.
What Happens During a Propel Appointment?
If you’re a candidate for Propel, here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
1. Evaluation
Your orthodontist will first examine your teeth and jaw to determine if Propel is right for you. We’ll review your x-rays, treatment progress, and goals to see how Propel can best support your case.
2. Preparation
The area being treated will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable. No general anesthesia is required, and you’ll be awake throughout the procedure.
3. Micro-Perforations
Using a small handheld device, your orthodontist will make tiny perforations in specific areas around your teeth. These are carefully placed to align with where the most movement is needed.
4. Post-Care
After the treatment, you may be advised to avoid certain foods or rinse with a medicated mouthwash. Any tenderness should subside within 24–48 hours.
And just like that—you’re done.
Frequently Asked (Real-Life) Questions About Propel
Let’s address some of the most searched, real-world questions people are asking about Propel right now.
Does Propel actually reduce the time I need braces?
Yes, and in many cases, significantly so. While every case is different, some patients have shortened their treatment by 3–9 months or more. It’s especially effective for adults, whose teeth tend to move more slowly than teens’.
It’s important to remember that Propel doesn’t change the quality of your treatment—it just helps you get to the finish line faster.
Is Propel worth the cost?
Propel is usually an additional cost to your orthodontic treatment, but for many patients, the time savings are worth it. Fewer appointments, faster progress, and potentially reduced risk of complications (like enamel wear from prolonged braces) all factor in.
At Significance Orthodontics, we’ll walk you through the cost and financing options so you can make an informed decision. And since the procedure may only need to be done once or twice during treatment, many patients find it manageable.
Can Propel be used more than once?
Yes. Depending on your treatment plan, you might benefit from multiple Propel sessions, spaced out over time. This is often the case for complex movements or longer treatments.
Your orthodontist will guide you on the ideal frequency based on how your teeth are responding.
Final Thoughts: Is Propel Right for You?
Propel isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about working smarter. For many patients, it offers the best of both worlds: the precision of traditional orthodontic treatment, with the efficiency of modern technology.
If you’re someone who:
- Wants to finish treatment faster
- Has a big life event coming up
- Is eager to see progress sooner
- Wants fewer visits and less waiting
…then Propel might be a great fit.
It’s also ideal for adults, who tend to be more impatient with the idea of wearing braces for years. With Propel, we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted—on your schedule.
Let’s Get You There—Faster
At Significance Orthodontics, we’re committed to delivering care that’s not just effective, but tailored to you. That means listening to your goals, respecting your time, and using every tool available to make your experience better.
If you’re curious about how Propel could work in your treatment plan, we’d love to talk with you. We’ll walk you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you decide whether it’s the right next step.
Schedule your appointment today, and let’s give your smile the momentum it deserves.
