What key feature defines surgically facilitated rapid orthodontic treatment (SFOT) according to Wilcko et al.?

Surgically facilitated rapid orthodontic treatment (SFOT) is characterized by the significant alteration of the alveolar bone to enhance the orthodontic movement of teeth. One of the most crucial aspects of this approach, as highlighted by Wilcko et al., is maintaining adequate blood supply during rapid bone turnover. This is essential because the surgical interventions conducted during SFOT create a physiological environment conducive to osteogenesis and periodontal tissue healing.

Maintaining a healthy blood supply ensures that the bone receives the necessary nutrients and healing factors that promote effective remodeling and movement of teeth under orthodontic treatment. This focus on blood supply is critically linked to the overall success of SFOT, facilitating a faster and more efficient orthodontic treatment process while also minimizing potential complications associated with inadequate blood flow.

In contrast, factors like patient compliance, duration of appliance use, and the specific use of expansion devices, while important in orthodontic practice, do not serve as defining features of SFOT as articulated by Wilcko and colleagues. The emphasis on blood supply and bone healing in SFOT clearly underscores its innovative nature in combining surgical techniques with orthodontic practices to achieve rapid and effective outcomes.