Faster, More Predictable Orthodontic Results Through Surgical Innovation
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years, offering patients of all ages the ability to improve their bite, function, and smile aesthetics. Traditional braces and aligners remain an effective solution, but for many individuals, the idea of spending one to three years in treatment—along with frequent appointments and ongoing maintenance—can be a significant deterrent.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, we offer a groundbreaking solution for those seeking a more efficient path to a straighter smile. Known as osteogenic orthodontics, or surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy (SFOT), this advanced approach is designed to dramatically reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment while improving bone stability and long-term outcomes.
Dr. Firas Katabi works in collaboration with your orthodontist to deliver this transformative service, helping patients achieve results in a fraction of the time—often in as little as four to six months.
While traditional orthodontics rely solely on the biological remodeling of bone to reposition teeth over time, osteogenic orthodontics introduces a surgical element that stimulates the bone and surrounding tissue, creating a more favorable environment for rapid and controlled tooth movement.
The process, often referred to by its original name Wilckodontics, combines:
This innovative approach doesn’t just speed up tooth movement—it also enhances periodontal health and bone density, reducing the risk of relapse or gum recession later on. Because the treatment modifies the environment in which the teeth are moving, it allows the orthodontist to treat cases that might otherwise be considered too complex or time-consuming.
Many patients desire a straighter, healthier smile but are hesitant to commit to years of braces or aligners. Whether due to professional obligations, lifestyle preferences, or time constraints, the idea of a prolonged orthodontic timeline can be frustrating—especially for adults who didn’t have treatment in their younger years or are seeking to address relapse after prior orthodontics.
Osteogenic orthodontics offers an appealing alternative. By working with the body’s natural healing response, this approach shortens treatment time significantly—without compromising results. In fact, for many patients, outcomes may be even more stable and aesthetically pleasing because of the added bone support and surgical precision.
This treatment is especially ideal for:
Surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy is not a replacement for braces or clear aligners—it’s a complement to them. The process typically begins after your orthodontist has initiated treatment and determined your overall goals. Once your care plan is in place, Dr. Katabi steps in to perform the surgical phase of your orthodontic journey.
Under local anesthesia or IV sedation (depending on your needs and preferences), small incisions are made in the gum tissue to access the bone surrounding the teeth. Dr. Katabi then performs a series of precise modifications, creating a controlled injury to the bone that stimulates a healing response. This biological response—known as the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon (RAP)—makes it easier for the teeth to move quickly and effectively within the jawbone.
During this same procedure, bone grafting material may be applied to areas where additional support is needed. This bone augmentation enhances volume, improves aesthetics, and provides long-term stability. The entire surgical phase is typically completed in one appointment, after which your orthodontist continues treatment with clear aligners or braces.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the recovery process is following osteogenic orthodontic surgery. Mild swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity are common for a few days, but these symptoms are typically well-managed with over-the-counter medications or a short course of prescription pain relief.
Because this technique uses minimally invasive incisions, soft tissue heals quickly, and most patients are able to return to work or school within a day or two. Dr. Katabi will provide detailed postoperative instructions and closely monitor your progress to ensure optimal healing.
Once healing is underway, your orthodontist will resume regular adjustments or aligner changes. Thanks to the enhanced bone environment created during surgery, the teeth move faster and with more control—allowing most patients to finish treatment months, if not years, ahead of schedule.
Osteogenic orthodontics is a team effort. Dr. Katabi works in direct collaboration with your orthodontist to plan, execute, and monitor your treatment. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that both the biological and mechanical aspects of your smile transformation are addressed in unison.
Your orthodontist will determine the ideal time to introduce the surgical phase of treatment. After the procedure, both providers continue to communicate throughout your journey, adjusting the pace and sequence of movement to reflect your progress and goals.
This type of collaboration creates an exceptional level of personalization—one that’s difficult to replicate with traditional orthodontic methods alone. The result is a smoother, faster, and more predictable path to the smile you’ve always wanted.
While the accelerated timeline is what draws most patients to osteogenic orthodontics, the benefits go well beyond just finishing faster. This treatment can lead to better aesthetic outcomes, improved bite function, and enhanced stability over time.
Here’s how:
These enhancements make osteogenic orthodontics an ideal option not only for patients who want faster results but also for those who want better results.
If you’re considering braces or aligners and are looking for a more efficient way to achieve your goals, osteogenic orthodontics may be a perfect fit. While not every case requires a surgical component, many patients—especially adults—benefit significantly from the addition of SFOT.
Good candidates typically:
If you’re not currently under the care of an orthodontist, we’ll be happy to refer you to trusted specialists in the area who routinely collaborate with our office on SFOT cases.
For decades, orthodontic treatment has followed a predictable pattern: slow, steady movement over months or years. Osteogenic orthodontics challenges that norm, offering a modern solution that harnesses the body’s biology to make treatment not just faster—but smarter.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, Dr. Katabi brings surgical expertise and personalized care to every patient. His attention to detail, gentle technique, and commitment to innovation make him a trusted partner to both orthodontists and the patients they serve.
Whether you're beginning your orthodontic journey or reevaluating your options, we encourage you to explore what’s possible through this transformative approach.
If you’re interested in reducing your orthodontic treatment time while enhancing your final results, osteogenic orthodontics could be the solution you’ve been looking for. The process begins with a personalized consultation, where Dr. Katabi will evaluate your case, discuss your goals, and determine whether SFOT is appropriate for you.
At Armitage Oral Surgery, we’re passionate about helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles—without unnecessary delays. Let us show you how surgical innovation can transform your orthodontic experience.
Yes. Osteogenic orthodontics can move teeth up to 2–3 times faster than traditional orthodontic treatment by combining surgery and orthodontic mechanics to stimulate bone growth. A 2001 study by Wilcko et al. showed treatment time could be reduced by 50–75%.
No. While it is especially beneficial for adults with slower bone remodeling rates, adolescents can also benefit from osteogenic orthodontics in cases of complex orthodontic needs or when faster treatment is desired.
Yes. The treatment not only aligns teeth but also stimulates bone remodeling, which can address mild to moderate skeletal discrepancies. This makes it ideal for cases where traditional braces alone would be insufficient.
Yes. The process includes a minor surgical procedure known as periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO), which involves decortication and bone grafting to stimulate faster tooth movement.
No. Most patients report similar or even less discomfort than with conventional orthodontic treatments. Pain is typically managed with over-the-counter medications, and the surgical procedure is minimally invasive.
Yes, the results are permanent — with proper retention. Like any orthodontic treatment, retention is key. With consistent use of retainers, long-term results are stable. A study published in Seminars in Orthodontics emphasized the importance of retention regardless of treatment method.
Yes. Osteogenic orthodontics can sometimes offer a non-invasive alternative to orthognathic surgery for moderate cases by enhancing the body's ability to adapt bone structure during tooth movement.
Yes. Due to the surgical component and accelerated timeline, it generally costs more upfront. However, shorter treatment duration and fewer appointments may reduce indirect costs such as missed work or travel time.
No. Active periodontal disease must be treated before osteogenic orthodontics can be considered. Healthy gums and supporting bone are essential for the success of the treatment. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, which would compromise results.
Yes. Research suggests that the controlled and accelerated movement of osteogenic orthodontics may actually reduce the risk of root resorption compared to prolonged traditional treatments. A 2011 study in the Journal of Periodontology observed minimal root resorption in PAOO-treated patients.
For questions regarding current treatment please call the office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
