Traditional braces can correct almost any misalignment, but dense adult bone means traction is slow—especially when teeth overlap so tightly an orthodontist suggests extractions.
Periodontally Assisted Orthodontics (PAO) at Precision Periodontal and Implant Center offers a different path: a single, minimally invasive gum-and-bone procedure that unlocks space and lets braces or Invisalign® move teeth dramatically faster. Here’s what makes the technique a game-changer for busy adults who want results without sacrificing healthy premolars.
Understanding Periodontally Assisted Orthodontics
PAO, also called Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Treatment, pairs your orthodontist’s appliance of choice with precise periodontal surgery performed by Dr. Ivanov. By gently lifting the gum and reshaping a paper-thin layer of outer bone, he triggers a regional acceleratory phenomenon—a natural burst of bone remodeling cells that lasts three to four months. Braces activated during this window glide teeth through the jaw two to three times faster than biology would normally allow.
How the Procedure Works at Precision Periodontal and Implant Center
After a thorough 3-D scan and joint treatment plan, you’ll schedule one surgical visit:
- Comfort first. Local anesthesia (and optional IV sedation) ensure you feel nothing.
- Microsurgical access. Dr. Ivanov reflects the gum tissue only where needed, preserving blood supply.
- Bone modulation. A few millimeters of cortical bone are perforated or thinned to open remodeling pathways; a collagen matrix may be placed to support healing.
- Immediate orthodontic activation. Within a week your orthodontist engages braces or delivers new aligners, harnessing the bone’s accelerated turnover.
Most patients return to desk work the next day, describing soreness comparable to a deep cleaning. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet for 24 hours usually suffice, and dissolvable sutures eliminate a follow-up removal visit.
Who Benefits from PAO?
- Severe crowding or crossbite where extractions are the only conventional option
- Adults with dense cortical bone whose teeth barely budge with regular braces
- Patients seeking shorter treatment—PAO can trim total time by 30–50 percent
- Anyone wanting fuller arches without pulling healthy teeth
Active gum disease, heavy smoking, or uncontrolled diabetes can delay healing; Dr. Ivanov addresses these factors before surgery to secure predictable results.
Recovery, After-Care, and Retention
During the first week, stick with soft foods and gentle brushing. You’ll notice the rapid-movement phase almost immediately—aligners that once fit snugly may feel loose in days, a sign the technique is working.
Your orthodontist adjusts wires or issues new trays more frequently for the next three to four months, then returns to a normal schedule as finishing details refine the bite. Once brackets come off, wearing a retainer nightly remains essential; accelerated treatment moves bone faster, but long-term stability still relies on disciplined retention.
Investment and Insurance Considerations
Because PAO adds a periodontal surgery to standard orthodontics, the fee is higher than braces alone yet often less than the combined cost of extractions, longer treatment, and potential implants down the road. Many PPO dental plans reimburse part of the surgical portion under codes for corticotomy or osseous contouring.
Our treatment coordinator at Precision Periodontal and Implant Center will pre-authorize benefits, outline financing, and make sure you know your out-of-pocket figure before scheduling. To learn more, call 424-626-1960—we’re ready to help you decide whether PAO is your shortcut to a straighter, fuller smile.