Dealing with crooked and misaligned teeth? A straighter smile is possible with orthodontic treatment in Midtown Atlanta or Roswell. Orthodontics has a reputation for being a long and arduous process, but it doesn’t have to be.
By partnering with your orthodontist, our team can help you achieve straighter teeth 2 to 3 times faster. How? A process that’s known as Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT). Keep reading to learn more.
What is Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT)?
SFOT is a revolutionary approach to helping correct misaligned teeth. This process involves working hand-in-hand with a periodontist and an orthodontist to move your teeth into formation much faster and with better lasting results.
During SFOT, your periodontist will carefully manipulate your gums and bones to stimulate bone growth, which in turn allows your teeth to move more quickly and predictably into their desired positions.
When is SFOT needed?
An estimated 70%-80% of people suffer from orthodontic issues, primarily crowded teeth. Why? As humans have evolved, the size of our jaws hasn’t kept up. In fact, our jaws are actually shrinking!
For most people who need orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign, their teeth are too large for their jaws. An orthodontist’s job is to reposition your teeth to help expand the jaw and push the teeth in an outward direction, but if there’s no room in your jaw, this becomes a problem
SFOT is a great option for people in this situation. It might help you avoid extraction or poor orthodontic results and can be done more predictably. This treatment can be used in conjunction with braces or an aligner treatment like Invisalign.
Who is a candidate for SFOT?
Almost anyone can benefit from SFOT as part of their braces or clear aligner treatment! However, an accelerated orthodontic treatment is usually not recommended for those with…
- Untreated periodontal disease
- Cavities or dental caries
- Compromised immune systems
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Our team, in collaboration with your orthodontist, will help you understand whether or not you are a candidate for SFOT and if it will benefit your treatment.
What are the benefits of SFOT for straightening your teeth?
SFOT also helps limit gum recession, something common for those undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment. Other benefits of SFOT include:
- May help you avoid tooth extractions
- Prevents your teeth from shifting back to their original position once your treatment is complete
Can you straighten your teeth without SFOT?
Yes, of course. However, keep in mind that orthodontic treatments — whether traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign — create constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure can cause inflammation, bone loss, and gum recession.
Our periodontists have 3 years of specialized training in bone, gum, and supporting tissue, and are an excellent partner to have on your side during your orthodontic treatment. We can work with you and your orthodontist to limit the risk of damage to gums, soft tissue, and bone.
How does accelerated orthodontics work?
The SFOT process requires seamless communication and teamwork between both a skilled periodontist and orthodontist. Our doctors have great relationships with many orthodontists in the area and enjoy every opportunity to work together for the benefit of our patients.
Working hand-in-hand with your orthodontist, we’ll help move your teeth into formation much faster and with better, lasting results. We’ll use advanced CBCT imaging to map out your individual anatomy and simulate tooth movement requirements. This removes all the guesswork.
The SFOT procedure is typically performed under IV sedation to ensure your comfort, but we also may recommend oral sedatives or nitrous oxide. Following the surgery, allow some time to rest and recover.
Our team will help you understand exactly what to expect from your individual procedure, from start to finish.
Interested in a faster orthodontic treatment? How to get started
If you want to straighten your teeth faster, ask your orthodontist about SFOT. Or, give us a call and we can refer you to one of the many orthodontists we work with.
Our doctors have great relationships with many orthodontists in the area and enjoy every opportunity to work together for the benefit of our patients. Working collaboratively with your orthodontic team, we’ll limit the risk of damage to gums, soft tissue, and bone and give you straighter teeth, faster.
Get started today by requesting an appointment at our Midtown Atlanta or Roswell office.