Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that has been growing in importance and prominence in recent years. While general dentistry involves the cleaning of the teeth, the filling of cavities, and the care of the gums, orthodontics concerns itself with a specific oral problem: that of malocclusions, or improper bites. If you've ever heard of somebody having an "overbite" or an "underbite", then you've heard of malocclusions. Malocclusions are the result of poor tooth regularity or improper alignment of the jaws, causing the teeth to protrude, grow crookedly, or crowd the mouth. If a dentist suspects you have a malocculsion, he or she will refer you to an orthodontist - a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Often, orthodontic problems arise during the early years of life. Behaviors such as thumb sucking, pacifier sucking, and nail biting contribute heavily to the development of malocclusions. This is because of the pressure they put on the growing jaw. Western lifestyles are also contributing factors to orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth. This may be because of the typical western diet, however, the full effects of this on orthodontics is still being studied.

The majority of the population has at least a slight malocclusion problem, as finding a perfectly-aligned jaw and perfectly-sized mouth in combination is uncommon. However, most minor problems require no treatment and are barely noticeable. For those with more severe problems, on the other hand, treatment becomes necessary. A serious malocclusion can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and facial discomfort, and many people find it aesthetically unpleasing. Somebody with a malocclusion may appear to have teeth growing in front of or behind other teeth, higher up on the gumline than other teeth, or a distended or elongated lower jaw in the case of an underbite. These patients can benefit greatly from seeing an orthodontist, who can provide a number of orthodontic treatments depending on what is needed.

The most common orthodontic treatment is the use of braces, which are made up of metal wires and brackets that are placed on the teeth and used to manipulate them into proper position. These are sometimes used in conjunction with other elements, such as headgear and plates, although these are more commonly used with younger patients whose heads are still developing. This ensures that not only are the teeth corrected, but also the jaw and face so that as new teeth come in, they can be properly accommodated.

After the treatment with braces is completed, the orthodontist will have the patient wear retainers, which help to keep the teeth in their new places while the jaw adjusts. This usually takes no longer than a year, after which retainers may still be worn part-time, such as during sleep, as the mouth is weaned off these support devices and grows in its new position on its own.

A new and increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces is the Invisalign system. These are clear plastic tray molds that are placed over the teeth to shape and reposition them. This treatment is considered more comfortable and attractive than braces, but requires much more vigilance in order for it to work properly. In addition, it is unsuitable for severe malocclusions and crowding problems, can be much more expensive than braces, and can be easily lost or damaged by behaviors such as teeth grinding. Still, orthodontists may deem this treatment the best one for certain patients; it all depends on the dentist's preference and the patient's condition.

Occasionally, more intensive treatments are required to correct orthodontic problems. These can include the removal of teeth, oral surgery, and rarely other types of surgery. These are most often seen in cases of severe tooth crowding, when the mouth is too small to hold a full set of adult teeth, and thus some teeth need to be removed or bones need to be repositioned. Most patients seeking orthodontic treatment, however, will never need to undergo surgery or tooth removal, and their conditions should be satisfied with standard dental braces.

Recently, many orthodontists have been performing work solely for cosmetic purposes. People who seek out cosmetic treatment from orthodontists usually have slight malocclusions and want to straighten or even out their teeth. Some orthodontists practice cosmetic orthodontics exclusively, however, most orthodontists will perform these kinds of minor adjustments after referral from a general dentist. Aesthetic orthodontics are usually performed in conjunction with or in addition to other treatments such as tooth whitening, capping, or veneers.

What sets orthodontics apart from general dentistry and other branches of dentistry is its prevalence in today's world. Children are receiving orthodontic treatments at an increasing rate, and it is becoming more lucrative and rewarding as a profession. By law, a practicing orthodontist in the United States must have a dental degree, which requires both a Bachelor's degree and four years of study at an accredited dental school. All dental students take courses in orthodontics, as well as numerous other dentistry specialties; however, if a student takes a liking to orthodontics in particular, he or she, upon graduating, may go into practice as an orthodontist. Because the mouth is such a delicate area, and because orthodontic treatments are so often performed on children whose mouths are still developing, many orthodontists choose to go into residency training after graduation, which can involve interning at a hospital or in private practice of Cosmetic Dentists.

Orthodontics is a fascinating and important study, and whether you're considering a career in dentistry or are planning to seek orthodontic treatment for yourself, it can be an erstwhile topic to read up on. Libraries and the Internet both hold many resources that will allow you to learn more about orthodontics and hopefully help to demystify this often misunderstood practice.