Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) when used in conjunction with clear aligner orthodontic treatment has been shown in clinical studies literature to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, reduce orthodontically induced tooth root resorption, and shorten the overall duration of orthodontic treatment. In-market use of LIPUS technology as an adjunct the clear aligners has grown significantly over the past several years, and a number of potential additional clinical benefits has been observed by clinicians and patients.

Dental caries affects the majority of the world’s population and causes tooth decay and loss. Bacteria in the mouth cause this disease. Sugar consumption plays a role in causing these bacteria to make acid that results in dental caries. Studies have shown that a type of sugar alcohol, called xylitol, can help prevent this disease. We will be studying the growth of oral bacteria that cause dental caries. We will examine this growth after applying an oral ultrasound gel (manufactured by SmileSonica Inc) that contains xylitol.