Interdisciplinary orthodontics

In the recent times, with the increasing expectations of the patients to an esthetically good and functionally stable treatment result, the practice of dentistry is changing from a single specialist practice to that of a team approach involving general dentist and various specialists. In orthodontic treatment, the endodontic procedures (like root canal treatment and restorations) and periodontal procedures (scaling and root planning) must be carried out before initiation of orthodontic treatment. The oral surgery procedures can be carried out at any stage of orthodontic treatment whether before treatment (corticotomy procedures), during treatment (exposing impacted tooth, extractions) and after treatment (frenectomy, orthognathic surgery). The prosthodontic procedures to replace the missing teeth must be carried out after completion of orthodontic treatment. During orthodontic treatment extraction space either can be maintained for prosthesis or can be closed orthodontically to prevent a lifelong prosthesis. An interdisciplinary dentofacial therapy is the effective and efficient utilization of the skills in the various disciplines of dentistry. Its key is the combination of diagnostic, treatment planning and therapeutic procedures with extensive communication among all team members. The present paper briefly describes an interdisciplinary approach for the management of complex dentofacial problems produces consistent optimal results.