Doctors Who Work With Orthodontists

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We'd like to thank the Boston Children's Hospital Department of Dentistry, Harvard University,  for their information and pictures

 

Dentists      Dentists are the first doctors to examine a child's teeth.  They are trained in the proper growth of teeth and faces and can recommend good orthodontists.  Dentists make sure that your teeth are not being damaged by bacterial plaque especially when you have braces.  They also work with orthodontists to extract teeth when necessary.  Next time you visit your dentist ask him or her if you'll need braces.  It's very important to go for regular checkups.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons      Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons treat patients requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.They reshape the jaw to correct deformities of the jaw caused by genetic problems and accidents.  They treat TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint problems).  They also remove teeth that have not come down from the jaw or are infected.  If you'd like to know more, click here for and interview with Dr. Stephen Sachs, a maxillofacial surgeon.

 

Periodontists     Periodontists treat disease that occurs in the gums in response to the build up of bacterial plaque on teeth.  They work to prevent further damage to the affected tooth and gums.  They also do surgery on the gums.       Go to our links page for the website of the American Academy of Periodontology. It has lots of information about the treatment of gum diseases.

This picture is used with permission from the American Academy of Periodontology

 

Endodontists      Endodontists study and treat diseases inside of teeth and their roots.  They work to save teeth that have been damaged by  disease or in accidents.

 

Prosthodontists     Prosthodontists restore the inside of the mouth by making artificial teeth implants, caps and bridges, and dentures for people with special needs such as people who are born with deformities of the face and mouth.

 

Plastic Surgeons     Plastic Surgeons repair deformities of the face caused by genetic problems or accidents.       An international organization called Operation Smile brings many volunteer plastic surgeons and specialists of the face to help poor children who have deformities of their face such as cleft palete have a chance for a more normal face.  To find out more about this organization go to the links page.

 
 

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