Skip to main content
 

What Is Dentistry and Orthodontics?

Dentistry is a medical specialty that treats the teeth, gum, nerves and jaw. Orthodontics is a subspecialty within dentistry that focuses on straightening teeth, and correcting the way teeth contact each other.

 

Conditions Dentistry and Orthodontics Treats

Children who have a wide variety of complex conditions might have a harder time getting dental and orthodontic care in a traditional setting. These disabilities and complex conditions might include:

  • Cleft lip and palate.
  • Facial abnormalities linked to injuries or medical syndromes.
  • Physical challenges.
  • Thinking and learning challenges.
  • Other conditions that affect the mouth and teeth.
 

Tests and Treatments

A pediatric orthodontist or dentist might recommend one or more of the following treatment options:

  • General dentistry and orthodontic care for children who have disabilities and complex conditions.
  • Special needs dentistry and orthodontic consultations for conditions that affect the mouth and teeth.
  • Sedation dentistry services for kids who have difficulty with general dentistry or orthodontia procedures.
  • The Gillette OrthoCleft® retainer for cleft lip and palate.

Integrated Care

If your child has a disability or complex condition, finding appropriate pediatric dentistry and orthodontics can be challenging. Dentists and orthodontists at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare understand the unique dental needs of kids who have conditions such as:

From sedation services to custom equipment, our specialists offer dental and orthodontic care primarily to kids who already receive inpatient or outpatient care at Gillette. To see a dentist or orthodontist at Gillette, the patient first needs a medical referral. 

As part of their treatment, your child might work with some of our experts in areas such as:

Locations

See all Gillette hospital and clinic locations.