Dr. Chanook David Ahn is one of the few certified Wilckodontics providers in Orange County. Board-certified periodontist, Yale-trained, performing corticotomy-assisted bone grafting to move teeth two to three times faster than braces or aligners alone. Located in Costa Mesa, serving all of Orange County.
Wilckodontics is a specialized surgical procedure that combines corticotomy, bone grafting, and orthodontic force to move teeth two to three times faster than conventional braces or aligners alone. Very few providers in Orange County are certified to perform Wilckodontics, because the procedure requires advanced training in periodontal surgery, bone regeneration, and the specific protocols developed by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko. Dr. Chanook David Ahn has been a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016 and is one of the few board-certified periodontists in Orange County offering both PAOO (Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics) and SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy).
Dr. Ahn's qualifications for performing Wilckodontics are rooted in his extensive training and clinical background. He completed his periodontal residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (UCLA-affiliated), where he received rigorous training in regenerative periodontal procedures, bone grafting techniques, and microsurgical tissue management. During his training, he was mentored by Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a former President of the American Academy of Periodontology, whose influence shaped his evidence-based approach to clinical decision-making.
Board certification by the American Board of Periodontology sets Dr. Ahn apart from the majority of providers who perform accelerated orthodontics procedures. Fewer than 40 percent of practicing periodontists have achieved board certification, which requires passing a rigorous examination that tests advanced knowledge of periodontal biology, surgical technique, and implant dentistry. For a procedure like Wilckodontics that involves cutting bone, placing grafts, and coordinating with orthodontic forces, this level of expertise is directly relevant to achieving predictable, long-lasting results.
Wilckodontics is not just about speeding up tooth movement. The bone grafting component of the procedure actually thickens the alveolar bone around the teeth, which can expand the envelope of tooth movement beyond what is safely possible with braces or aligners alone. This means we can sometimes treat cases with Wilckodontics that would otherwise require jaw surgery. Patients across Orange County come to our practice specifically because we understand both the surgical biology and the orthodontic goals, and we coordinate closely with their orthodontist to deliver results that are fast, stable, and healthy for the supporting bone and gum tissue.
Wilckodontics is the brand name for a patented surgical technique called Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics, or PAOO. Developed by Dr. Thomas Wilcko (a periodontist) and Dr. William Wilcko (an orthodontist), the procedure combines selective alveolar corticotomy with particulate bone grafting to create a temporary state of accelerated bone metabolism around the teeth being moved orthodontically. This accelerated bone turnover, known as the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon or RAP, allows teeth to move through softened, metabolically active bone at two to three times the rate achievable with orthodontic force alone.
The procedure works by making small, carefully planned cuts (corticotomies) in the cortical bone surrounding the teeth that need to be moved. These cuts do not go through the full thickness of the bone or damage the tooth roots. Instead, they create a controlled injury that triggers the body's natural healing response. The bone around the corticotomy sites becomes temporarily demineralized and highly metabolically active, entering a state similar to what occurs during fracture healing. During this window of accelerated biology, orthodontic forces move teeth through this softened bone much more efficiently than through normal, dense cortical bone.
Critically, particulate bone graft material is placed over the corticotomy sites at the time of surgery. This bone graft serves two purposes. First, it provides a scaffold for new bone formation as the teeth move into their corrected positions, ensuring that the bone regenerates around the teeth in their new location. Second, it increases the overall volume and thickness of the alveolar bone, which is particularly important in cases where the bone is thin or where significant tooth movement is planned. Without the bone graft, the corticotomy alone could accelerate tooth movement but would risk leaving the teeth with inadequate bone support in their final positions.
Conventional orthodontics moves teeth through bone using sustained, low-level force applied by braces or clear aligners. This process relies on the natural bone remodeling cycle, where bone is resorbed on the pressure side of the tooth and deposited on the tension side. Each remodeling cycle takes approximately four to six weeks, which is why orthodontic adjustments are typically scheduled at monthly intervals and total treatment time averages 18 to 30 months for adults.
Wilckodontics fundamentally changes the biology of this process. By triggering RAP through corticotomy, the bone remodeling cycle is dramatically accelerated. Teeth can be adjusted at two-week intervals rather than four to six week intervals, and the total treatment time is typically reduced to 6 to 9 months. The bone graft component ensures that the accelerated movement does not compromise the structural integrity of the bone surrounding the teeth.
Two terms are commonly used in the field of surgically accelerated orthodontics: PAOO and SFOT. While they are closely related and share the same fundamental principles, there are distinctions worth understanding.
PAOO is the original, patented Wilckodontics technique. It involves raising a full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap to expose the alveolar bone, performing selective corticotomies in the cortical plate around the teeth targeted for accelerated movement, placing particulate bone graft over the corticotomy sites, and repositioning the tissue flap. Orthodontic force is applied shortly after surgery, typically within one to two weeks. PAOO is the most well-studied and documented technique for surgically accelerated orthodontics, with over two decades of published clinical outcomes.
SFOT is a broader term that encompasses PAOO and related approaches. In some protocols, SFOT may use minimally invasive techniques such as piezocision, where small vertical incisions are made through the gum tissue and piezoelectric instruments are used to create corticotomy cuts without raising a full flap. This approach may result in less post-operative discomfort and swelling, but it provides less access for bone graft placement and less visualization of the surgical anatomy. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient's orthodontic needs, bone anatomy, and treatment goals to determine whether a full PAOO approach or a modified SFOT technique is most appropriate.
Key Point: Both PAOO and SFOT share the same goal: accelerating orthodontic tooth movement while simultaneously building bone around the teeth. The difference lies primarily in the surgical access technique. Dr. Ahn selects the approach that provides the best combination of accelerated results and patient comfort for each individual case.
Wilckodontics is designed primarily for adult patients who want to reduce their time in braces or aligners. It is particularly valuable for patients whose clinical situations would benefit from both accelerated tooth movement and enhanced bone volume around the teeth.
Several products and techniques claim to accelerate orthodontic treatment. Here is how Wilckodontics compares to the most commonly marketed alternatives.
Why Wilckodontics stands apart: Wilckodontics is the only method that combines significant acceleration of tooth movement with simultaneous bone augmentation. The bone grafting component is not an optional add-on; it is integral to the procedure and to the long-term stability of the result. Other methods may offer some degree of acceleration, but none provide the bone-building benefit that makes Wilckodontics particularly valuable for adult patients with thin bone, arch expansion needs, or complex orthodontic goals.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in Costa Mesa, in the South Coast Metro area near South Coast Plaza. Our central Orange County location provides easy access for patients throughout the region. Dr. Ahn sees Wilckodontics patients from cities across Orange County.
Our office is located at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, in the South Coast Metro area adjacent to South Coast Plaza. The office is easily accessible from the 405 Freeway (exit Bristol Street or Bear Street) and the 55 Freeway (exit Baker Street or Paularino Avenue). Free parking is available on-site.
The South Coast Metro location places us at the geographic center of Orange County, making our office conveniently accessible for patients traveling from North County cities like Anaheim and Garden Grove as well as South County cities like Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel. Most patients across Orange County reach our office within 15 to 25 minutes.
Recovery from Wilckodontics surgery is generally straightforward and well-tolerated by most patients. Here is a typical recovery timeline.
Dr. Ahn uses PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy during the procedure to enhance healing and reduce post-operative inflammation. PRF is derived from the patient's own blood and delivers concentrated growth factors directly to the surgical site.
The cost of Wilckodontics depends on the number of teeth involved, the extent of bone grafting needed, and whether the procedure is performed on one arch or both. At The Loft Dental Studio, we provide detailed cost estimates after your clinical evaluation so you understand exactly what your treatment will involve before proceeding.
Some PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the surgical component (corticotomy and bone grafting) under periodontal surgery or bone grafting benefits. The orthodontic component (braces or aligners) may be covered separately under orthodontic benefits if your plan includes them. Medical insurance may provide partial coverage in cases involving functional or skeletal concerns. Our administrative team verifies your dental and medical benefits before treatment and provides a written estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.
PPO Plans We Accept: Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
We offer financing through CareCredit, which provides low-interest and interest-free payment plans. We also accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds, allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars. For more details, visit our Insurance & Payment page.
Find out if accelerated orthodontics with Wilckodontics is right for you. Dr. Ahn provides thorough evaluations and coordinates with your orthodontist for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Call (714) 549-7030Yes. Dr. Chanook David Ahn has been a certified Wilckodontics provider since 2016. He completed specialized training directly in the PAOO and SFOT techniques developed by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko. As a board-certified periodontist with Yale residency training, Dr. Ahn is one of a small number of providers in Orange County qualified to perform these advanced corticotomy-assisted orthodontic procedures. His background in periodontal surgery and bone regeneration makes him uniquely suited for the precise bone grafting that Wilckodontics requires.
Wilckodontics typically accelerates orthodontic tooth movement by two to three times compared to conventional braces or aligners alone. Treatment that would normally take 18 to 24 months with traditional orthodontics can often be completed in 6 to 9 months with PAOO or SFOT. The acceleration occurs because the corticotomy procedure triggers a temporary regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) in the bone, which increases bone turnover and allows teeth to move through softer, more metabolically active bone. The bone graft placed during the procedure also thickens the alveolar bone, expanding the range of tooth movement that is safely possible.
Dr. Ahn works collaboratively with orthodontists throughout Orange County. If you already have an orthodontist, Dr. Ahn coordinates directly with them to plan and time the surgical phase of your Wilckodontics treatment. If you do not have an orthodontist, Dr. Ahn can refer you to trusted orthodontists in the area who are experienced in managing cases that involve PAOO or SFOT. The orthodontist handles the braces or aligners, while Dr. Ahn performs the corticotomy and bone grafting surgery. This team approach ensures that both the surgical and orthodontic phases are optimized for the best result.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the discomfort is after Wilckodontics surgery. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with IV sedation available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience. Post-operative discomfort is typically controlled with prescription pain medication for the first two to three days, after which most patients transition to over-the-counter ibuprofen. Swelling peaks on days two to three and then steadily improves. Dr. Ahn uses PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. Most patients return to work or normal activities within three to five days.
Insurance coverage for Wilckodontics varies by plan. Some PPO dental insurance plans cover a portion of the surgical component under periodontal surgery or bone grafting benefits. The orthodontic component may be covered separately under orthodontic benefits if your plan includes them. Medical insurance may provide partial coverage if the procedure addresses a functional or skeletal issue. Our administrative team verifies your benefits before treatment so you have a clear understanding of your out-of-pocket costs. CareCredit financing and FSA/HSA funds are also accepted.
PAOO (Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics) and SFOT (Surgically Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy) are closely related techniques that both use corticotomy and bone grafting to accelerate orthodontic treatment. PAOO is the original technique developed by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko, combining selective alveolar corticotomy with particulate bone grafting and orthodontic force. SFOT is a broader term that encompasses PAOO and related approaches, and may include additional procedures such as piezocision in some protocols. Dr. Ahn evaluates each patient individually and recommends the specific technique that best addresses their orthodontic needs, bone anatomy, and treatment goals.