Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial problems. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of braces to straighten the teeth, bring jaws into alignment and achieve a desired facial balance.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has undergone an additional two or more years of training beyond the four years of dental school. The additional training allows the orthodontist to manipulate tooth movement and guide facial development. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) upon request will furnish you with a list of members in your area.  Your dentist can also refer you to an AAO member.

Teeth and jaws that do not line up properly make your teeth harder to clean and eventually predispose you to problems such as, cavities, periodontal problems, speech problems, and digestive problems.   

People often choose braces as the way to a more attractive smile.  An improved appearance can lead to more self-confidence and a better attitude towards life!

Heredity can play a critical role because you may have inherited large teeth from your father and a small jaw from your mother, or vice versa.   Other factors such as trauma, thumb-sucking, breathing through the mouth and pushing your tongue between your front teeth may make teeth stick out too much.  Early loss of baby teeth can cause adjacent teeth to move into the empty spaces.  Regardless of how these problems occur, they can not only affect alignment of the teeth but your facial balance as well.

It would be nice if everyone had a beautiful smile; however, crooked and crowded teeth are very hard to clean and maintain. This can aggravate other conditions that can cause tooth decay and eventual gum and periodontal disease.  Other orthodontic problems can cause premature wear of teeth, cause abnormal stress on supporting bone and gums.  Jaws that are out of alignment can place abnormal stress on the jaw joints, and possibly contribute to the development of TMJ or headaches and pain in the head and neck regions.

Many orthodontic problems can become worse over time.  In most cases treatment to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

Generally, children should first be seen by the orthodontist after age seven.  This is the time when the child should have some permanent and baby teeth.  This stage is called the mixed dentition stage of development.  This will allow the orthodontist to access if there are any problems that should be corrected early, or can wait until all of the permanent teeth are available.   Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children. Many adults return to have their teeth straightened.  You are never to old to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile.