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May 19, 2013
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Orthodontics and Orthodontic Treatment


Orthodontics is a dental specialty of fixing malaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontic treatment can correct a poor bite (malocclusion) by removing teeth (extraction) or by using devices (appliances) or surgery to move teeth.

Orthodontists are medical specialists who have at least 2 years of extra training after dental school. They are skilled in using any combination of extraction, braces (fixed appliances), or removable appliances to move the teeth and reshape the jaw.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerWilliam F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics
Last RevisedJanuary 11, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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