Severe Crowding? Not an Invisalign Candidate? SFOT Changes That!

This patient had severe crowding. In many offices, the answer would’ve been: “You’re not a candidate for Invisalign.” But with SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy), we were able to expand the jaw, create space, and stabilize the gums and bone so Invisalign could work — and work faster. By pairing Invisalign with SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy), we were able to:

• Create the space needed for the teeth to move
• Reduce the Invisalign treatment time from 2.5 years to 10 months
• Upright and widen the arch for better function and airway health
• Strengthen the gum and bone foundation to help prevent future recession

SFOT is helpful when teeth need more room to move. It allows us to expand and make space in a way that is difficult to achieve with aligners alone. For this patient, their teeth were overlapped and tilted inward, creating a narrow, V-shaped arch. After SFOT and just 10 months in aligners, we not only straightened the teeth but created a wider, healthier U-shaped arch with more room for the tongue and better long-term stability.

This approach doesn’t just focus on the appearance of the smile. It focuses on the entire foundation of the teeth, the gums, and the bone.

If you’ve been told you’re not an Invisalign candidate, you may still have options. We’re happy to review your case and help you understand what’s possible.