Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy: Optimizing Dentoalveolar Bone and Space Appropriation for Facially...

Comorbidities that negatively impact orthodontic (malocclusion), periodontal (periodontitis, deficient dentoalveolar bone volume, mucogingival), and prosthetic (structural integrity compromise from caries, attrition, and erosion) conditions can affect the general health of the patient. In addition, emerging data highlights the importance of undiagnosed airway volume deficiencies and sleep-disordered breathing conditions in the adult and pediatric population. Deficiencies in dentoalveolar bone and discrepancies in skeletal relationships can impact the volume of hard- and soft-tissue structures of the periodontium and decrease oral cavity volume. Contemporary interdisciplinary dentofacial therapy (IDT) is a key process for addressing the comprehensive problems of patients based on etiology, homeostasis, and sustainability of physiologically sound outcomes. These provide the patient with sustainable esthetics and function. Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT) uses corticotomies and dentoalveolar bone decortication to stimulate the regional acceleratory phenomenon and upregulate bone remodeling and tooth movement as a part of orthodontic decompensation. It also generally includes guided periodontal tissue regeneration and/or dentoalveolar bone augmentation. SFOT as a part of IDT is demanding and requires extensive attentiveness and communication among all team members. This article focuses on the role of SFOT as an integral component of contemporary IDT to facilitate highly predictable and sustainable outcomes.