Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment (SFOT)
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Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment (SFOT)
Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment (SFOT) is an innovative option that combines the expertise of an orthodontist and a periodontist or oral surgeon, providing a faster and more effective way to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. SFOT is a specialized technique that combines minor oral surgery with traditional orthodontics to speed up tooth movement and improve the outcomes of orthodontic treatment. It’s sometimes referred to as Accelerated Orthodontics or Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO).
Surgical orthodontics and orthognathic surgery are advanced treatments used to correct severe jaw or facial irregularities that cannot be fixed with braces or aligners alone. These procedures combine orthodontic treatment with jaw surgery to improve the function, appearance, and health of the teeth and jaws. This treatment is typically recommended for adults or teens whose jaw growth is complete. It’s a collaborative process between an orthodontist and a surgeon, offering life-changing improvements to both oral health and appearance.
- Surgical Orthodontics
- This involves orthodontic treatment (like braces or aligners) before and after surgery to align the teeth properly and prepare the jaw for surgical correction.
- It’s often used for patients with:
- Severe bite problems (overbite, underbite, open bite).
- Misaligned jaws causing speech or chewing difficulties.
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance.
- Orthognathic Surgery
- This is the surgical component where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve jaw alignment and overall facial harmony. It’s typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve cutting and repositioning the jawbone.
- Benefits of Surgical Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery
- Improved Function: Corrects bite problems, making chewing, speaking, and breathing easier.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Balances facial features and improves jaw alignment for a more natural, symmetrical appearance.
- Relief from Pain: Can alleviate issues like jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and chronic headaches caused by jaw misalignment.
- Boosted Confidence: Combines orthodontic and surgical results to create a more attractive smile and balanced facial profile.
- How SFOT Works:
- A minor surgical procedure is performed on the jawbone and surrounding tissues. This process, often called corticotomy, involves making small perforations in the bone around the teeth to stimulate bone remodeling.
- Bone grafting material may be added to enhance the bone structure and stability, if necessary.
- After surgery, braces or clear aligners are used to move teeth more quickly and efficiently. The stimulated bone is softer for a short time, allowing the teeth to shift faster and more easily into their correct positions.
- Benefits of SFOT
- Faster Results: Tooth movement occurs 2-3 times faster than traditional orthodontics, shortening overall treatment time.
- Improved Outcomes: Helps correct complex orthodontic issues that might be difficult to achieve with braces or aligners alone.
- Bone and Gum Health: Enhances the bone and gum structure, which supports long-term stability and reduces the risk of gum recession or bone loss.
- Reduced Need for Extractions: Creates space for crowded teeth without removing healthy teeth.
- Versatility: Effective for both children and adults, including patients with complex cases or mature bone structures.
- Who Can Benefit from SFOT?
- Patients with crowded teeth, bite issues, or complex orthodontic needs.
- Adults looking for faster orthodontic treatment.
- Individuals requiring improvements in both tooth alignment and gum health.
