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Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Orthodontists also have specialized training in facial abnormalities and jaw disorders. You may see an orthodontist after getting a referral from your general dentist. Your dentist may advise orthodontic treatment to improve your bite and the appearance of your face and teeth. However, the American Dental Association advises that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
Any orthodontic problem may be classified as a malocclusion, or bad bite. Orthodontic treatment can help these problems:
Moving and correcting the alignment of the teeth follows the same process no matter what the age. But an adult mouth must overcome already positioned facial bones and jaw structure. Overcoming most types of bite problems may need more than one type of orthodontic treatment for adults. In most cases, the ideal age for braces and other orthodontic treatments is between 10 and 14 years of age. But people of any age can be helped with treatment.
Braces, also called fixed orthodontic appliances, generally come in 3 types:
All 3 types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position
Another type of orthodontic device that can be used is aligner therapy. Aligners are removable, custom-formed plastic guides that fit over the teeth. They are used in a series to move teeth to their desired positions.
