Is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malposition teeth and jaw. It can also focus on modifying facial growth, know as dentofacial orthopedic.

Major responsibilities of orthodontic practice include the diagnosis, prevention, interception and treatment of all forms of malocclusion of the teeth and associated alterations in their surrounding structures; the design, application and control of functional and corrective appliances; and the guidance of the dentition and its supporting structures to maintain optimum occlusal relations in physiologic and esthetic harmony among facial and cranial structures.

That area of dentistry concerned with the supervision, guidance and correction of the growing or mature dentofacial structures, including those conditions that require movement of teeth or correction of bad relationships and malformations of their related structures and the adjustment of relationships between and among teeth and facial bones by the application of forces and/or the stimulation and redirection of functional forces within the craniofacial complex.

Few things to look to see that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:

• Finger or thumb sucking
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Hard time chewing
• Crowded teeth
• Mouth breathing
• Jaws too prominent or to small