Inter-disciplinary treatment involves the collaboration of different dental specialties in improving the overall dental health in patients during orthodontic treatment. These disciplines can include dental, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
It is possible that some adult orthodontic patients will have jaw surgery as part of their treatment because their jaws are no longer growing. If the orthodontist is unable to perform the surgery, the doctor will work with an oral surgeon for treatment. In addition, patients can experience some bone loss in their teeth during orthodontic treatment which can hinder the appropriate tooth movement. This may require periodontal therapy during orthodontic treatment.
When inter-disciplinary treatment is needed, the orthodontist will coordinate with doctors of other specialties in order to provide successful, comprehensive treatment.