What are Speed Braces?

Speed Racer? No, Speed Braces!

When I was 5 years old I had a mad crush on cartoon heartthrob Speed Racer. Those big, dark doe eyes, his tight pants and his super cool race car stole my heart. Here's why I feel the same about Speed Braces.

Traditional braces stay on for a few years. The first year a round wire is attached to the brackets on each tooth. This wire moves the crown of the tooth. The second year, a square wire is attached to the brackets and it moves the root of the tooth. Sometimes, additional headgear is needed to make adjustments (seen right on that crazy little girl from Finding Nemo). The addition of spacers and ties make keeping your teeth clean a real challenge.

Thanks to inventor Dr. Anthony Viazi and his patented Viazi Bracket System, there is now a speedier alternative to the traditional approach. The Viazi bracket is self-ligating, so the wire moves more freely. The need for spacers and ties is eliminated so it's easier to keep teeth clean. No trips to the dentist to get the braces tightened; the heat-actived wire applies light, continuous force to move your teeth. The end result is less time to correct crooked teeth and less metal in your mouth, which is better looking. Well, as good looking as metal in your mouth can look, I suppose.

Watch this video of the Viazi system to see how it works.

There's also the Damon System of speed braces. If that's the method your dentist prefers, you can read more at the Damon System website.

So, can speed braces adjust your smile as fast as Speed Racer can do a few laps around the track, solve a mystery, and fix his car? Well, no, but pretty fast. For some, as little as 6 weeks. For me, it will be about 4 months. Either way, Speed Racer and Speed Braces cross the finish line in record time.