Co-operation, coordination, and interaction between different specialities in dentistry are extremely important in establishing diagnosis and treatment planning. Interaction between the different disciplines is necessary and in some cases, it is crucial in facilitating coordinated dental therapy. The interrelationship between orthodontics and periodontics often resembles symbiosis. In many cases, periodontal health is improved by orthodontic tooth movement, whereas orthodontic tooth movement is often facilitated by periodontal therapy.

Prior to the 1970‘s orthodontic treatment was often less recommended to ―prevent periodontal diseases‖. Crowded teeth which are difficult to clean, can result in plaque accumulation and gingivitis which may lead to periodontal diseases. Orthodontic treatment can promote periodontal health and may prevent periodontal diseases.

With an increasing number of adult patients now seeking orthodontic treatment, the problems of a dentition affected by chronic periodontitis are more likely to be encountered. Adult patients present a challenge to orthodontists because they have high esthetic demands and they often have dental conditions that may complicate treatment, such as tooth wear, poorly contoured restorations, and periodontal disease. Orthodontic appliances have become smaller, less noticeable and easier to maintain during orthodontic therapy. And also if these individuals have underlying gingival or periodontal defects, these defects often can be improved during orthodontic therapy if the orthodontist is aware of the situation and plan the appropriate tooth movement accordingly.