Facts about Fiberotomy

At the end of your journey with braces, your orthodontist might suggest you get what is called a “fiberotomy”. This is usually suggested instead of the classic retainer. In this post, we will give an argument for getting this operation and one for not getting it. Also we will include some technical information about the procedure.

A fiberotomy is a surgical operation to sever the fibers that hold your teeth in their current position. You'd get this procedure done after you’ve straightened your teeth with braces and such. Sometimes the “gingival fibers” as they are called will pull your teeth back to where they were before your braces. Check out these links for more information:

Fiberotomy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiberotomy

http://www.austinperiodontal.com/procedures-fiberotomy.asp

Gingival Fibers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gingival_fibers

Arguments for getting a fiberotomy:
• Snipping those fibers will ensure that your teeth will not go back to their pre-brace position.
• Chances are you will not have to get a retainer. With a retainer, it guarantees that you’re teeth stay straight…as long as you wear it. So if you get a fiberotomy you don’t have to worry about the hassle of losing your retainer or always wearing it.

Arguments for not getting a fiberotomy:
• It is usually not covered in your insurance, as it is considered a “cosmetic” surgery.
• It is said to be nearly painless, for they give you local anesthesia, but there have been accounts that say otherwise. Just read this person’s account of their experience.

http://healthmad.com/medicine/fiberotomy/

• And take a look at this picture...pretty gruesome huh?

http://www.pittsburghdentalimplants.com/periodontal-diseases/fiberotomy.html~

• The fiberotomy is a relatively new procedure that hasn’t been around long so it’s not as tested as the retainer. See Part 2.2 of this article from the UK.

http://www.taysideorthodonticmcn.scot.nhs.uk/documents/guidelines/clinical_guidelines_orthodonitic_retention.pdf

In our opinion, besides the fact that the reasons for not getting it done surpass the reasons for getting a fiberotomy, snipping fibers in the body is usually not a good idea. Those fibers are there for a reason. The retainer is a tried and true method of keeping your teeth straight.
Keep in mind these are only our opinions, as neither of us has had the surgery. Be sure to consider both choices!

-Amanda and Erik