What is Orthodontics??

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be the result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. The word comes from the Greek word ortho meaning straight and Odon meaning tooth.

Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only and deal with the control and modification of development. In the latter case, it is best defined as "dentofacial orthopedics".

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons in relation to improving the general appearance of patients' teeth. However, there Orthodontists who are working to reconstruct the whole person, rather than focusing exclusively on teeth. However, treatment is most often prescribed for practical reasons, such as patients with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).