The dental specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of dental deformities as well as irregularity in the relationship of the lower to the upper jaw. Orthodontics also includes treating and controlling various aspects of facial growth (dentofacial orthopedics) and the shape and development of the jaw. An orthodontics specialist is called an orthodontist.
Orthodontics used to be called orthodontia - the word comes from the Greek orthos, meaning “straight, perfect or proper”, and dontos, which means “Teeth”.
Orthodontics also includes cosmetic dentistry; when the patients aim is to improve his/her appearance.
An orthodontist uses a range of medical dental devices, including headgears, plates, braces, etc. to help in:
