Orthodontics or 'dentofacial orthopedics' is the formal name of the dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth that can lead to a 'bad bite'. The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to create straight teeth that properly meet teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easy to bite, chew and speak. Orthodontists undergo three years of speciality training after their basic degree and can diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws. Overcrowded mouths, teeth spaced far apart or those that meet in an abnormal way or in some cases, do not meet at all require orthodontic intervention.

Correction is done with braces or aligners, which are “appliances” orthodontists most commonly use to guide teeth into their proper positions. Sometimes, the use of expanders to make the dental arches wider, or the use of 'headgear', much like a helmet, to correct jaw positions may be recommended. After treatment, the use of retainers helps to preserve and stabilize the results of treatment. Though previously orthodontics was associated mainly with children and teens, today, many adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct long-standing problems, or problems that occur due to age and or habits. Nowadays, people of any age can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with the help of orthodontics.

Individualized or customized braces (IP Appliance) have now become a revolution in orthodontics with the practice of using different types of brackets (braces) in the same mouth to allow more precise corrections.