Adjunctive Orthodontic Therapy

Orthodontic patients are commonly referred to the Periodontist for additional procedures to help aid in tooth positioning, maintain teeth in health and function and ensure soft tissue and bone stability over time.

Impacted canine exposure is used to make unexposed canine teeth accessible for orthodontic movement in children and young adults.

Benefits of treatment include guiding teeth into the correct position for a healthy, functional bite, making bracket or aligner placement more efficient and supporting a complete, natural-looking smile.

SFOT (surgically facilitated orthodontic therapy) is used to increase soft tissue and bone volume and may have the added benefit of possible reduced treatment time.

Benefits of treatment include supporting healthy bone and gum structure throughout tooth movement, promoting bone regeneration and tissue strength for a healthier foundation and achieving orthodontic goals with potentially less time than traditional treatment.

Your orthodontist may also recommend Periodontal Plastic Surgery / Soft Tissue Grafting or other above therapies, before during or after orthodontic therapy for ideal esthetic outcomes and to maintain teeth in health and function. This collaborative process supports long-term oral health, good esthetic outcomes and balance, as well as proper bite development.

What to Expect:

  • Comprehensive Examination
    • Your visit begins with a thorough periodontal and oral examination and digital imaging to assess tissue health, measure pocket depth and gum recession, assess bone loss and screen for oral cancer. Dr. Holden creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, diagnosis and comfort level and discuses planned restorations with your orthodontist.
    • CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a 3-dimensional x-ray, advanced imaging technique providing accurate visualization of dental structures, bone and nerve canals. CBCTs can locate exact 3D positioning of impacted canines as well as other structures (for procedures such as impacted canine exposure), and give highly accurate information on bone volume and tooth position within that bone (for procedures such as SFOT).
  • Impacted Canine Exposure
    • Performed to carefully uncovers the tooth so that an orthodontist can guide it into alignment using braces or clear aligners.
  • SFOT
    • Performed by combining orthodontics with precise periodontal treatment to increase bone of soft tissue thickness to support teeth, enhances the bone’s responsiveness, allowing teeth to move more efficiently without strain on the surrounding structures and without compromising long-term stability.

https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/surgical-procedures/