Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics—Achieve years of orthodontic movement in months with selective bone surgery and grafting
Wilckodontics is a specialized technique that combines periodontal and orthodontic expertise to dramatically accelerate tooth movement. Developed by Drs. William and Thomas Wilcko, this procedure uses selective corticotomy of the alveolar bone combined with bone grafting, performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. The result: teeth can move 3-4 times faster than conventional orthodontics, reducing overall treatment time from years to months.
Wilckodontics involves several integrated steps that work together to transform the bone metabolism and enable rapid tooth movement:
A surgical flap is created to expose the buccal (cheek-side) cortical bone around the teeth that need to be moved. Using specialized instruments and sometimes lasers, selective scoring of the cortical bone is performed—carefully disrupting the hard outer bone layer without damaging the inner cancellous bone or tooth roots.
Immediately following the corticotomy, bone graft material is placed at the surgical site. This serves multiple critical purposes:
The crucial difference between Wilckodontics and conventional orthodontics is the timing. Orthodontic forces are applied immediately or within days of the surgical procedure—not months later. Light, continuous orthodontic forces guide the teeth into their new positions while bone is rapidly remodeling.
The foundation of Wilckodontics is the Regional Acceleratory Phenomenon, discovered and extensively researched by Dr. Harold Frost. The RAP is a biological response to surgical trauma: when bone is intentionally disrupted, your body responds with intense healing activity in that region, including accelerated bone remodeling and metabolism.
When the cortical bone is surgically disrupted, inflammatory cytokines are released, triggering an inflammatory response. Osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells) become activated and increase in number. Simultaneously, osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) are stimulated and proliferate. This creates a window of time—typically 4-6 months—where bone turnover is dramatically accelerated. During this window, teeth can move much faster because the bone is actively remodeling.
In conventional orthodontics, tooth movement is limited by the rate at which bone resorbs and reforms. Heavy orthodontic forces applied to a tooth compress the periodontal ligament and stimulate osteoclasts on the pressure side and osteoblasts on the tension side. This takes time—typically 1-2mm of tooth movement per month. In Wilckodontics, because bone metabolism is already accelerated by the surgical procedure and grafting, teeth can move 3-4mm per month—a dramatic acceleration of the normal biological process.
The RAP causes a temporary but profound elevation in bone metabolism throughout the surgical site. Bone turnover rates increase by 4-8 fold. New bone formation is accelerated. The surgical wound healing cascade activates growth factors that promote both bone regeneration and tooth movement. This hyperactive metabolic state lasts approximately 4-6 months after surgery, which is why the accelerated movement typically occurs in this timeframe.
As teeth move, the alveolar bone remodels to follow them. In Wilckodontics, this remodeling happens much faster because bone turnover is elevated. Additionally, the bone grafting provides structure and volume, preventing the bone loss that typically accompanies rapid orthodontic movement. This means patients achieve dental goals while maintaining or even improving bone support around their teeth.
A unique advantage of Wilckodontics is that the periodontal support of the teeth actually improves. The bone grafting augments the alveolar ridge, creating greater bone volume and support. The corticotomy stimulates new bone formation. The result is that teeth moved with Wilckodontics end up with stronger periodontal support than teeth moved with conventional orthodontics—particularly important for previously compromised teeth or adult patients.
Dr. Harold Frost's research established that surgical trauma to bone triggers a highly predictable biological response—the RAP. His work provided the scientific foundation for understanding why corticotomy-facilitated movement works so effectively. Drs. Wilcko built upon Frost's research, developing specific surgical techniques and protocols that maximize the RAP for orthodontic benefit.
Dr. Ahn combines periodontal surgical expertise with orthodontic collaboration for superior outcomes
Schedule Your Wilckodontics ConsultationWilckodontics requires exceptional periodontal surgical skills combined with deep understanding of orthodontic principles. Dr. Ahn is uniquely qualified because of his extensive training in advanced periodontal surgery and his collaborative relationships with leading orthodontists. His combination of surgical precision, bone regeneration expertise, and attention to periodontal health makes him exceptionally well-suited to perform this demanding procedure.
Wilckodontics, also called Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO), is a procedure that combines periodontal bone surgery with orthodontic treatment to dramatically speed up tooth movement. A periodontist like Dr. Ahn makes small perforations in the bone around the teeth, then applies bone grafting material. This temporarily softens the bone, allowing teeth to move 3-4 times faster than with traditional orthodontics alone.
Wilckodontics typically reduces orthodontic treatment time from 18-24 months down to 6-9 months. In some cases, treatment can be completed in as little as 3-4 months. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case and how far teeth need to move.
Yes, Wilckodontics has been studied for over 20 years and has a strong safety record. The procedure actually strengthens the bone around teeth because of the bone grafting component. When performed by a board-certified periodontist like Dr. Ahn, complications are rare. Patients typically experience less root resorption than with prolonged conventional orthodontics.
Most adults who are candidates for orthodontic treatment can benefit from Wilckodontics. It is particularly beneficial for patients who want faster results, adults who had orthodontic relapse, and cases involving moderate to severe crowding. A consultation with Dr. Ahn and an orthodontist will determine if you are a good candidate.
Wilckodontics in Orange County typically costs $3,000-$7,000 for the surgical component, in addition to orthodontic fees. While the upfront cost is higher than traditional orthodontics alone, the significantly shorter treatment time means fewer orthodontic visits and faster results. Some dental insurance plans cover portions of the periodontal surgery.