Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT)

During the SFOT procedure, the alveolar bone is carefully cut and augmented with bone and soft tissue grafts as needed. This stimulates the natural healing process, creating a healthier environment that accelerates tooth repositioning. By enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of orthodontic treatment, SFOT can significantly reduce treatment time—potentially cutting it in half! Importantly, SFOT does not require special orthodontic appliances; it works seamlessly with traditional braces or clear aligners.

You may be a great candidate if you face one or more of the following challenges:

• 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 Gum Recession or Thin Gums
  • 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 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 long-lasting, stable alignment.
• 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 Thick Bone
  • Some patients have a heavy buttressing alveolar bone that resists orthodontic movement, making 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 Time Restraints & Want Faster Treatment
  • 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 compared to traditional methods.

While traditional braces or clear aligners are designed to straighten teeth, they don’t always consider the condition of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. For some patients, moving teeth without first preparing the bone and gum foundation can lead to:

• Gum Recession – When teeth are pushed through thin gum tissue, the gums can recede, exposing the roots and leading to sensitivity and potential tooth loss.
• Bone Loss – Insufficient bone support can lead to further jawbone deterioration, making it harder to maintain tooth stability.
• Relapse After Orthodontic Treatment – Without proper bone support, teeth may shift back into misalignment after braces or aligners are removed.
• Prolonged Treatment Times – Dense or misshapen bone structures can slow tooth movement, leading to longer treatment plans. 

• Consultation & Planning– A comprehensive evaluation, including digital imaging, is performed to determine candidacy for SFOT.
• Surgical Procedure– A minimally invasive surgical technique is used to reshape or graft bone tissue to optimize orthodontic movement.
• Orthodontic Treatment Begins– Braces or clear aligners are placed soon after surgery to take advantage of the enhanced bone remodeling.
• Healing & Monitoring– Regular follow-up visits ensure proper healing and monitor orthodontic progress. 

One of the biggest advantages of SFOT is that it’s a one-time procedure with lifelong benefits. You’re less likely to experience relapse, bone loss, or gum problems down the road. SFOT minimizes future complications and ensures your orthodontic results last as long as possible.

After the procedure, you may experience swelling and tenderness. There will be minor oozing and/or bleeding up to 72hrs which is normal. You will be given a detailed instruction sheet. A soft food diet is recommended- no hard or crunchy foods. The days immediately after surgery, avoid eating or drinking hot foods or liquids. Cold or room temperature is better. Avoid strenuous physical activity during the immediate recovery period. You should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day and up to a week. You can read, watch TV, or work at a desk from home.

No, it works with the same orthodontic appliances, such as braces or clear aligners. SFOT simply enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of orthodontic treatment.

The procedure is typically well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort managed with pain medications.