Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malocclusion, which is the technical term for dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are dentists who have specialized in the field of orthodontics. Dentists have to complete an additional 2-3 years of full-time study and training after dental school before they can become orthodontists.

Malocclusion, or orthodontic problems, may be caused by several factors. They may be inherited – like crowding of teeth or too much space between teeth, or they may be acquired – due to dental disease, trauma, or thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking. Whatever the cause, orthodontic treatment is important because if left untreated the problem may become worse and can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, tooth loss, inefficient chewing function, and speech impediments.

Some of the most common orthodontic problems are: