A change in dental growth and development is a special complication for cancer survivors who received high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to the head and neck for childhood cancers. Changes may occur in the size and shape of the teeth; eruption of teeth may be delayed; and development of the head and face may not reach full maturity. The role and timing of orthodontic treatment for patients with altered dental growth and development is under study. Some treatments have been successful, but standard guidelines have not yet been established.

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