Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses entirely on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion" which literally means "bad bite". The practice of orthodontics requires extensive professional skill in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.

An orthodontist is a specialist that has completed two to three years of advanced education following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and facial development.

Some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment are:

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced appearance – consciousness
• Better function of teeth
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Increased ability to clean the teeth and gum
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns on the teeth
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
• Better lip closure
• Reduced need for extractions of teeth
• May eliminate the need to replace missing teeth
• Reduced pressure and strain on the jaw joints

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