Every year, millions turn to orthodontic treatment to straighten their smiles and improve oral health — including one in three adults in the United States. During orthodontic treatment, which typically lasts between 18 and 24 months, patients face restrictions on the foods they can eat to avoid damaging their orthodontic appliances, and many experience discomfort or soreness. These limitations can significantly impact daily life and eating habits. Given these challenges, there's a growing interest in techniques that can shorten treatment time.
Reducing the duration of orthodontic treatment not only minimizes the period of discomfort and dietary restrictions but also allows patients to achieve their desired smile more quickly. Shorter treatment times mean patients can return to a comfortable, non-restrictive lifestyle sooner, all while enjoying the benefits of a beautifully aligned smile. This is why many orthodontists and patients explore advanced techniques to accelerate tooth movement and reduce overall treatment duration.
Read on to discover advanced treatment options that will speed up your orthodontic treatment and where to find the best oral surgeon in the East Bay.
How Surgical Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy Works to Speed up Orthodontic Treatment
Surgical Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT) is an innovative approach that combines orthodontic treatment with a surgical procedure to accelerate tooth movement and reduce overall treatment time. This technique works by harnessing the body's natural healing response to create a temporary state of increased bone metabolism — known as the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP).
The process begins with a careful assessment of orthodontic needs and the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Once the orthodontic appliances, such as traditional metal braces or clear aligners, are in place, an oral surgeon performs a procedure that typically involves:
- Creating small, precise incisions or perforations in the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth
- Removing small portions of the outer layer of bone
- Applying bone grafting material to enhance bone volume and support
These surgical interventions trigger a localized inflammatory response, initiating the RAP. During this healing period, which lasts around three to four months, several things occur that accelerate orthodontic treatment:
- Increased blood flow to the affected area
- Heightened cellular activity and bone cell turnover
- A temporary decrease in bone density, making it more pliable
These changes create an environment that allows for accelerated tooth movement when guided by orthodontic forces such as traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. As a result, patients undergoing SFOT often experience significantly reduced treatment times, with some studies reporting up to 50% faster tooth movement compared to traditional orthodontic methods.
6 Long-term Benefits and Outcomes of Surgical Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT)
1. Enhanced Stability
SFOT enhances the stability of your orthodontic results by allowing more controlled and precise tooth movement, reducing the risk of teeth shifting back over time.
2. Bone and Gum Health
The procedure preserves bone and gum health, minimizing the risk of issues like bone loss or gum recession in the future.
3. Fewer Future Adjustments
With SFOT, the accelerated and precise treatment often eliminates the need for additional orthodontic work, saving time and money long-term.
4. Better Aesthetic Results
Patients often achieve more aesthetically pleasing outcomes faster, leading to greater satisfaction with their final smile.
5. Improved Compliance
A shorter treatment period encourages better patient compliance, enhancing the overall success of the orthodontic process.
6. Long-term Oral Health
By quickly resolving orthodontic issues, SFOT contributes to better long-term oral health, reducing risks like cavities and gum disease.
Am I a Good Candidate for SFOT?
Determining if you're a good candidate for SFOT requires a comprehensive evaluation by both an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. While SFOT is beneficial for many patients, it's not suitable for everyone.
Generally, good candidates for SFOT are individuals who are in good overall health, have a strong commitment to oral hygiene, and are looking to expedite their orthodontic treatment. Some specific factors that may make you a suitable candidate include:
- Adults or older teenagers with fully-developed jaws and all permanent teeth
- Patients with complex orthodontic issues that would typically require lengthy treatment
- Individuals with dense bone structures that may slow traditional orthodontic movement
- Those seeking to reduce overall treatment time due to personal or professional reasons
- Patients with specific tooth movement requirements, such as impacted canines or severe crowding
- Individuals who have previously undergone orthodontic treatment and are experiencing orthodontic relapse
- Those with good periodontal health and no active gum disease
- Patients who are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking during treatment
It's important to note that certain medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors may make you less of an ideal candidate for SFOT. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment, including medical history, dental examinations, and imaging studies, to determine if SFOT is the right approach for your specific case. It’s important also to discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternative treatment options to help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic care.
Where to Find a Premier Oral Surgeon in Oakland
Accelerated orthodontics, particularly SFOT, offers a promising solution for those seeking to achieve their perfect smile in less time. If orthodontic treatment is in your future and you want to explore faster options for straightening your teeth, consulting with an experienced oral surgeon can help.
At East Bay Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Dr. Evan Santiago is committed to offering cutting-edge treatments like accelerated orthodontic procedures in the Bay Area. Dr. Santiago's expertise in SFOT can significantly reduce your treatment time and get you to your perfect smile sooner.
Ready to get a beautiful smile in half the time by getting surgical facilitated orthodontic therapy from the top oral surgeon in the Bay Area?
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