Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy, also known as SFOT, is an innovative approach in the field of dentistry that combines surgical and orthodontic techniques to achieve optimal dental outcomes. It is used to manage dental crowding, malocclusion and is airway centric. This treatment involves a collaboration between periodontists and orthodontists and sometimes even oral surgeons, each contributing their specialized expertise to comprehensive patient care. This approach integrates targeted surgical techniques with traditional orthodontic treatment (braces). By precisely planning and performing these procedures, clinicians can improve tooth movement, reduce overall treatment time, and manage complex dental conditions more effectively. For example, part of the treatment involves alveolar decortication. The alveolar decortication step involves creating small, controlled perforations in the bone around selected teeth. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response, accelerating bone remodeling and facilitating faster tooth repositioning. As a result, surgically assisted orthodontic therapy provides a more efficient treatment option that enhances outcomes while minimizing patient discomfort.
Surgically Facilitated Orthodontics (SFOT) is a modern technique that helps braces work more efficiently by combining the skills of orthodontists and periodontists and oral surgeons. First, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether SFOT is appropriate for your case. Occasionally, soft tissue grafting must be completed prior to the SFOT, but this would be determined during your initial consult with your periodontist. The procedure involves small openings made in the gum tissue allowing the clinician to access the underlying bone. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon reshapes small areas of bone to make it easier for your teeth to move. A bone graft is typically placed over the bone perforations to support the jawbone in preparation for tooth movement and protect the teeth throughout the orthodontic process. This creates the ideal foundation for your orthodontic treatment.
After the procedure, your body begins to heal and form new bone in the treated areas. This gives your teeth more support and helps speed up movement once braces are in place. Throughout your treatment, your orthodontist and surgeon(s) work together, closely tracking your progress and making any needed adjustments. With SFOT, patients can often achieve optimal results more quickly and comfortably, through a coordinated approach that leverages the body’s natural healing capacity to optimize outcomes.
Schedule an AppointmentIn many orthodontic cases, patients with crooked or crowded teeth are told that tooth extractions are necessary before their teeth can be properly aligned. While this is sometimes true, there is often a less invasive alternative available through Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT).
SFOT is a modern, airway-focused approach to treating dental crowding and malocclusion (bite misalignment). Instead of removing teeth, SFOT works by increasing the amount of supporting bone around the teeth. This creates the space needed for proper alignment while preserving natural teeth.
Traditional extraction-based treatments can sometimes lead to issues years later, such as gum recession, relapse of tooth movement, or limited tongue space. In most cases, the main issue is just not enough jawbone volume to house all of the teeth comfortably rather than an excess number of teeth. Through collaboration with our colleagues, SFOT allows us to:
With SFOT, patients can achieve a healthier, more stable smile in less time, while preserving their natural teeth and supporting tissues.
Call Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 214-522-9700 to schedule your consultation. We will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident, informed, and supported throughout your treatment.
Park Cities Periodontics And Implant Dentistry
Phone: (214) 522-9700
Fax: (214) 522-8181
Address: Preston Commons, East Tower