Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy: a new tool for optimal interdisciplinary results

Restorative-driven interdisciplinary therapy frequently requires orthodontic therapy to optimally address the underlying dentofacial problems. Limitations in traditional orthodontic techniques and the length of requisite treatment times often create barriers to providers and patients' willingness to accept orthodontics as part of the overall treatment plan. Two main types of surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT), each with its own indications and protocols, are becoming popular. They can expand significantly the limitations of orthodontics and greatly shorten treatment times. The first uses corticotomies to cause bone demineralization through a regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) that "supercharges" dentoalveolar tooth movement. The second type of SFOT involves single- or multiple-tooth osteotomies combined with the principles of distraction osteogenesis to rapidly grow hard and soft tissues, thereby enabling changes in alveoloskeletal relationships. With these SFOT procedures, an interdisciplinary team can modify predictably the dentoalveolar complex so the teeth, alveolar bone, and skeletal components are addressed properly to maximize ideal functional and esthetic relationships, while greatly reducing treatment time and increasing stability of the result.