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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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics
Last Revised January 11, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 11, 2011
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