Transseptal Fiberotomy

Once you have completed orthodontic treatment, the most important way to maintain your smile is to continue wearing your retainers. The importance of your retention phase of treatment is key to preserving your smile and tooth position.

If your teeth have been particularly difficult to move or rotate, or your orthodontist requests surgical assistance with your retention, they may ask Dr. Noraian to perform a transseptal fiberotomy to release the fibers which attach the teeth to the soft tissue and bone. This procedure is particularly important as these fibers have memory. Like rubber bands, these fibers are in tension when they are stretched to the new positions of the teeth, and the natural tendency is to relieve the tension which causes the teeth to be pulled back toward their original position.

By performing a transseptal fiberotomy, Dr. Noraian surgically relieves the fibers once anesthetic has been provided. The goal of this procedure is to have the fibers reattach to the new positions of the teeth and relieve the pressure on the forces wanting to pull the teeth back to their original position. Sometimes this procedure is done shortly before the brackets are removed as the braces themselves will act as retainers during the healing phase, and other times, the brackets may be removed before the procedure is done.

Of course, when treatment is complete, your retainers need to be worn to maintain your healthy smile.