How to Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment With SFOT

Have you always dreamed of a picture-perfect smile but shied away from treatment options because you don’t want to spend months or even years dealing with orthodontic visits? While it’s true that traditional metal braces and clear aligners used to straighten your teeth require your patience throughout the process, there is great news. Modern orthodontics now allows a way to reduce your time in orthodontic treatment. 

Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT) can successfully decrease treatment duration in most cases. This game-changing approach combines minor surgical techniques with your regular orthodontic treatment to help teeth move more efficiently through bone. If you've been putting off orthodontic treatment because of the time commitment, SFOT might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

Read on to learn more about how SFOT works, who is a good candidate for it, and where to find the best surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy in Oakland. 

What Is Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy and How Does It Work?

Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy combines a minor surgical procedure on the jawbone with traditional orthodontic treatments such as different types of braces or aligners. The magic of SFOT happens through teamwork, with periodontists performing the surgical component and orthodontists managing the tooth movement. This close coordination ensures proper treatment planning and optimal results, potentially reducing your orthodontic journey by weeks or even months.

How Much Faster Is Orthodontic Treatment With Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy?

While conventional braces or aligners might keep you in treatment for 18 to 24 months, adding SFOT can cut that treatment timeline nearly in half, with some cases finishing in as little as 12 months. This isn't just about getting through treatment quickly; the accelerated tooth movement created by SFOT also leads to more predictable results and better stability once treatment is complete. 

For people with busy lives or those who have been putting off orthodontic treatment because of the time commitment, this significant reduction in treatment duration can be the deciding factor in finally pursuing their perfect smile.

Who Can Get Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy?

SFOT works for most people with orthodontic challenges who want to speed up their treatment process. If you have any of the following orthodontic issues or bite problems, you may be a good candidate for SFOT: 

• Crowded teeth that seem impossible to align
• A narrow dental arch that needs palatal expansion with an orthodontic appliance
• A misaligned bite, including overbite, underbite, or crossbite

Before committing to SFOT, it's essential to understand that your overall health is also important. You'll need healthy gums without active periodontal disease and adequate bone structure to support the healing process after the procedure. 

Since SFOT involves both orthodontics and minor surgery, you'll need evaluations from both an orthodontist and a periodontist before proceeding. During these consultations, they'll examine your teeth, take detailed images of your jaw structure, and discuss your medical history to determine if SFOT is right for you. 

Additional Benefits of Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy

Speed isn't the only advantage SFOT offers. This procedure also provides several significant benefits that elevate your overall treatment outcome, including: 

• Potentially saving you from extractions by creating additional space in your jaw without removing healthy teeth
• Improved lip posture and better facial balance with greater expansion of your dental arches
• Healthier gums with reduced risk of periodontal disease, thanks to properly aligned teeth that are easier to clean

What Should I Expect When Getting Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy?

During the procedure, a periodontist creates small, strategic perforations in the bone surrounding the teeth that need to move. These tiny injuries trigger the body's natural healing response that increases bone remodeling activity — essentially softening the bone for a short period — allowing teeth to shift more quickly and efficiently through the jawbone. 

After your SFOT procedure, expect your body to need some time to adjust and heal: 

• For the first few days, you'll likely experience swelling around your jaw and cheeks, some discomfort at the surgical sites, and possibly minor bruising. 
• Your periodontist will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable during this initial recovery period. 
• For the week following the procedure, you should stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and pasta. This will help you avoid putting pressure on the surgical areas or accidentally disturbing the healing process. 
• While you might feel eager to see results, patience during recovery is crucial; most patients can return to their normal activities within a week. 
• You'll need to attend regular check-ups so your orthodontist and periodontist can monitor your healing and adjust your orthodontic treatment as needed. 

The good news is that the temporary discomfort pays off quickly, as you'll soon notice your teeth moving more rapidly toward their ideal positions.

Where to Find the Best Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy in Oakland

At East Bay Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we take a thoughtful, team-based approach to surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy, centered on your comfort, safety, and long-term results. As the top periodontal clinic in Oakland, our team offers a seamless integration of surgical expertise and orthodontic coordination to patients in the East Bay Area, including Berkeley. Our modern approach is designed to help your teeth move more efficiently through targeted bone remodeling. 

We personalize every SFOT case to match your unique dental structure and treatment goals, working closely with your orthodontist to reduce overall treatment time without compromising outcomes.

Ready to speed up your orthodontic treatment with the best surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy in Oakland?