American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

Surgically facilitated rapid orthodontic treatment (SFOT) significantly enhances the speed of tooth movement compared to traditional orthodontic methods. This technique utilizes surgical intervention to create a biological environment conducive to faster tooth repositioning, such as alveolar corticotomy, which reduces resistance to tooth movement.

Research indicates that tooth movement following SFOT can occur at a rate of 1/3 to 1/4 of the time usually required for conventional orthodontic approaches. This remarkable acceleration is attributed to the reduced tissue resistance and increased cellular activity, which facilitate a more rapid response to the applied orthodontic forces. Consequently, this approach not only shortens the overall treatment duration but also improves patient compliance and satisfaction, making it a valuable method in contemporary orthodontics.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the extent of acceleration provided by SFOT. For instance, stating that it takes half the time would underestimate the advantages of the surgical facilitation, while claiming that it requires double or equivalent time does not align with the clinical evidence demonstrating significant time savings. Thus, the response indicating that SFOT achieves movement speeds of 1/3 to 1/4 the time of traditional methods appropriately captures the essence of this advanced orthodontic technique.