Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT)
in Tampa, FL
A Path to Faster Orthodontic Results
- Dramatically shorten treatment time
- Expanded movement with bone support
- Sedation and surgical precision
- Coordinated with your orthodontist
What Is Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy?
SFOT, also called accelerated orthodontics or corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics, is a surgical procedure that helps your teeth move faster during orthodontic treatment. The surgery itself takes one in-office visit, and the active orthodontic phase that follows is shorter than traditional orthodontics, often by months.
The procedure works by triggering the body's natural healing response in the bone surrounding the teeth being moved. This response, called the regional acceleratory phenomenon, temporarily speeds up bone turnover and lets teeth move two to three times faster than they would otherwise.
Some patients also benefit from a bone graft placed during the same visit (a protocol called PAOO, Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics). The graft expands the bone around the teeth, which gives your orthodontist more room to work and reduces the risk of relapse after treatment ends.
Who Is a Candidate for SFOT?
- Adults considering orthodontics. Anyone in active treatment or considering treatment who wants to shorten total time in braces or aligners.
- Patients with thin bone or recession risk. SFOT with bone grafting can expand bone volume around teeth that traditional orthodontics could not safely move.
- Complex orthodontic cases. Cases requiring substantial tooth movement, expansion, or correction of previous treatment.
- History of relapse. Patients whose teeth shifted after previous orthodontic treatment can benefit from the added bone support that reduces relapse risk.
- Working professionals or patients with a cosmetic timeline. A wedding, career milestone, or any deadline that makes a shorter orthodontic phase valuable.
- Referrals from an orthodontist. Many SFOT patients are referred specifically for the surgical phase by their existing orthodontist.
What to Expect
From SFOT Treatment
Working With Your Orthodontist
- Shared treatment plan. Before the surgery, our surgeons review your orthodontist's plan and align the surgical approach to it. Any imaging, X-rays, or impressions from your orthodontist are reviewed alongside our own scans.
- Communication during the active phase. While your orthodontist runs the active movement, our team stays in the loop on progress and any unexpected findings.
- Coordinated retention. After active treatment ends, we work with your orthodontist on the retention plan that holds your new alignment in place.
- No orthodontist yet? If you have not selected an orthodontist, your treatment coordinator can connect you with orthodontic practices in Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Valrico, and across the Tampa area.
SFOT Cost and Financing
Your cost will depend on the size of the treatment area, whether bone grafting is included, and the sedation plan you select with your treatment coordinator.
Dental insurance does not typically cover the SFOT procedure since it is paired with elective orthodontic treatment. Your treatment coordinator will explain the cost during your consultation, including financing through CareCredit® if you would like to spread the investment across a more manageable timeline.
Common Questions About SFOT
How much faster does SFOT make orthodontic treatment?
Most patients see active orthodontic time reduced by 50 to 75 percent, often dropping a 24-month case to 6 to 12 months. The exact reduction depends on the complexity of your case and your orthodontist's plan.
Is SFOT painful?
The procedure is performed with sedation and local anesthesia, so you should not feel the surgery itself. Recovery is similar to a moderate dental surgery: some swelling and soreness for several days, managed with prescribed or recommended medication.
Will SFOT work with braces and clear aligners?
Yes. SFOT accelerates orthodontic movement regardless of whether your orthodontist is using traditional braces, clear aligners like Invisalign®, or another system.
Will my teeth stay in place after SFOT, or are they more likely to shift back?
SFOT, especially with bone grafting, often improves long-term stability by expanding the bone around the teeth. Standard retention is still required, but relapse risk is typically lower than with orthodontics alone in complex cases.
Do I need an orthodontist before I see you for SFOT?
Most patients come to us already working with an orthodontist or planning to start. If you have not selected an orthodontist, your treatment coordinator can connect you with practices we coordinate with regularly near our Tampa, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Valrico offices.
