Who is a Good Candidate for SFOT?

Moving teeth without preparing the gums and bone first can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even longer treatment times for some patients. That’s where SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy) comes in—your secret weapon for a faster, healthier, and more stable path to a straighter smile.

You might benefit from SFOT if you have:

  • If you have NARROW ARCH FORMS: Patients with narrow dental arches often experience crowding, misalignment, and a lack of space for teeth to move. Traditional orthodontics may require extractions to create space, but SFOT stimulates bone remodeling, allowing for more efficient and stable arch expansion while minimizing the risk of soft tissue damage. By modifying the bone structure, SFOT ensures that teeth can move into a broader, more balanced position safely.
  • If you have SIGNIFICANT TOOTH MOVEMENT: When major tooth realignment is needed, traditional orthodontics can take several years to achieve the desired result, and without proper bone support, teeth may shift back over time. SFOT accelerates tooth movement while maintaining a strong periodontal foundation, reducing treatment time and ensuring stable alignment.

  • If you have GUM RECESSION: Moving teeth in patients with thin gum tissue can increase the risk of further gum recession, root exposure, tooth decay, and sensitivity. SFOT thickens and strengthens the gums before tooth movement. This reduces the risk of further gum recession, protects the roots, and enhances the long-term health and aesthetics of the smile.
  • If you have THICK BONE: Some patients have a heavy buttressing alveolar bone, which makes treatment slower and less predictable. By reshaping and optimizing the bone, SFOT eliminates unnecessary resistance, making tooth movement smoother, faster, and more controlled. 
  • If you have BONE LOSS: Orthodontic treatment requires strong bone support for safe and effective tooth movement. However, patients with bone loss—often due to past gum disease or aging—are at a higher risk of complications. SFOT adds bone where needed, reinforcing the foundation before orthodontic treatment begins. This prevents further bone loss, ensures proper tooth support, and allows for more predictable, stable results.
  • If you have TIME RESTRAINTS: Many patients want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to spend years in braces or clear aligners. SFOT increases the speed of tooth movement, allowing patients to complete orthodontic treatment in a fraction of the time.

SFOT gently prepares your mouth for orthodontics, reducing risks and accelerating progress—so your smile looks amazing and lasts longer. 

Considering orthodontics? Let’s talk about how SFOT can optimize your results. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward your best smile.

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District Dental Surgery Locations

District Dental Surgery is a premier dental practice dedicated to providing top-tier oral healthcare across two convenient locations—Washington, DC, and Bethesda, MD.

Washington, DC

1828 L St NW, Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036

Bethesda, MD

5626 Shields Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817

Please select the location you’d like to visit

Washington, DC

1828 L St NW Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036

Bethesda, MD

5626 Shields Dr, Bethesda, MD 20817

Please select the location you’d like to visit

Washington, DC

1828 L St NW, Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036

Bethesda, MD

5626 Shields Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817

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(Formerly Known as District Perio)

(Formerly Known as Bethesda Dental Implant Center)

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