What Is SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy)? Boost Your Orthodontic Success
Building the Right Foundation for a Healthier Smile
Think of your teeth and jaw like a house and its foundation. If you want to move walls or expand rooms, the structure underneath needs to be strong enough to handle the change. The same goes for orthodontic treatment. That’s where SFOT—Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy—comes in. This procedure strengthens the foundation of your mouth (your jawbone and gums) to make tooth movement safer, faster, and more stable in the long run.
At District Dental Surgery, with locations in Washington, DC and Bethesda, Maryland, we specialize in SFOT. Our expert periodontal team collaborates with your orthodontist or dentist to build a treatment plan tailored to your needs and to protect your long-term oral health.
What is SFOT?
SFOT stands for Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy. It’s a specialized periodontal procedure that prepares your mouth for orthodontic movement by enhancing the health and thickness of the bone and gum tissue surrounding your teeth.
In simple terms, SFOT gives your orthodontist a stronger, more stable structure to work with—just like reinforcing the foundation of a building before renovating. By creating a stronger foundation, SFOT ensures smoother, faster, and more effective tooth movement. Paired with soft tissue or bone grafting when needed, SFOT not only optimizes your orthodontic results but also helps preserve bone density and support overall oral health.
How Does SFOT Work?
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! SFOT does not require special orthodontic appliances; it works seamlessly with traditional braces or clear aligners.
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.
Do I Need SFOT?
Why Bone & Gum Health Matter for Orthodontics
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. When teeth move through thin or weak bone, it increases the risk of:
- 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.
SFOT helps prevent these issues by boosting the health of the supporting tissues before or during your orthodontic treatment.
What is the Recovery for SFOT?
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. No strenuous physical activity during the immediate recovery period. You should plan to rest at home for up to a week. You can read, watch TV, or work at a desk from home.
How We Work With Your Orthodontist
At District Dental Surgery, our periodontists work closely with your orthodontist or general dentist to build a customized SFOT plan. We ensure that your gum and bone structure is ready for the movement your orthodontic provider is planning. By combining periodontal expertise with your orthodontic treatment, we help:
Optimize the health of your smile
Reduce treatment time in many cases
Support your results with a stronger foundation
FAQs about SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy)
1. Does SFOT hurt?
It’s typically well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort managed with pain medications. It’s similar to getting a wisdom tooth removed. We use local anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
2. How much does SFOT shorten treatment time?
Depending on your case, SFOT can reduce treatment by 30–60%.
3. Can I still wear clear aligners like Invisalign with SFOT?
SFOT supports and enhances your Invisalign treatment, it doesn’t replace it. You’ll still wear your aligners as directed by your orthodontist, but with the added benefit of faster results and better long-term stability. After the SFOT procedure, you continue your clear aligner treatment as planned. Your orthodontist will adjust your aligner schedule to account for the accelerated movement made possible by SFOT so you will change aligners more frequently than usual.
4. Is SFOT right for kids or just adults?
It’s typically used for adult patients, but certain adolescent cases may qualify too.
5. What makes SFOT safer than just doing braces?
By strengthening the foundation, SFOT reduces the risk of gum damage, tooth root loss, or long-term instability.
SFOT Specialists in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD
If you’re interested in learning whether SFOT is right for you, contact District Dental Surgery today. With offices in Washington, DC and Bethesda, Maryland, we’re here to support your orthodontic journey with advanced periodontal care.
