If you are in braces, your orthodontist may recommend receiving a fiberotomy treatment immediately after your braces are removed. This is much more likely if your orthodontic treatment included the need to rotate any of your teeth in order to straighten them out.

What Is A Fiberotomy?

Put simply, a fiberotomy is a procedure that detaches the ligaments holding your tooth to your jawbone. Before the procedure, your gums will be numbed and then a tiny instrument is inserted between the tooth and the gums, detaching the ligaments. Once this is done, the ligaments will reattach to your tooth in the correct position. This will decrease the likelihood of your teeth shifting back to their incorrect positions once your braces come off.

Imagine that your tooth is held in place by rubber bands instead of the ligaments. As the braces rotate the tooth, the rubber bands twist and stretch with the tooth movements. When the braces are removed, the tension on the rubber bands will pull the tooth right back into the same position it was in before you received your braces. A Fiberotomy is completed to cut the rubber bands and remove the tension on the tooth. That is why a fiberotomy is an important step to keep your new smile straight and beautiful.

A fiberotomy is a very simple procedure, and you can go back to brushing and flossing your teeth as normal on the day that the procedure is done. Dr. Jenkins is very experienced and will guide you through your fiberotomy, helping you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment. For more information, please contact our Littleton, Colorado office today.