Long treatment time is one of the main drawbacks of orthodontic treatment. Patients also have a higher predisposition to dental caries, gingival recession and root resorption. Over the years researchers have introduced methods to accelerate the tooth movement. These methods are based on the concept of regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP). According to this concept, orthodontic force applied on the tooth surface depends on various chemical, cellular and mechanical components, altering the biomechanics of tooth movement at these levels can alter the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. This article briefly explains the concept of RAP and various method to achieve it in clinical orthodontics.
Key words: Regional, Acceleratory, Phenomenon.