• From the Greek “ortho” meaning straight and “odontos” for teeth, orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry aimed at the diagnostic, prevention and treatment of dento-facial anomalies and dental malpositions.
• The technical term to describe these problems is “malocclusion”.
• Practicing orthodontics requires professional aptitudes in diagnostics, treatment planning, insertion, use and control of different corrective appliances used to align teeth, lips and jaws, all contributing to dento-facial harmony.

Practically anyone with occlusal problems can benefit from orthodontics. If the tooth supporting tissues (gingiva and bone) are healthy, there are usually no contra-indications to undertake orthodontic correction.