---
title: "What Is Orthodontics? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and corrects crooked teeth and bite problems, most often with braces or clear aligners."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontics
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Orthodontics

# Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and corrects crooked teeth and bite problems, most often with braces or clear aligners.

A good bite makes it easier to bite, chew, and speak. The ADA says correction may be recommended if teeth are crowded, protrude, are spaced too far apart, meet in an abnormal way, or do not meet at all. The tools most often used are [braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces) and [clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners), and a [retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer) holds the result afterward. Treatment is not only for teens. Many adults choose it, too, and healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Straight teeth are also easier to clean. Your dentist will talk with you about your options and what to expect. See malocclusion and our page on [teeth straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening).

[Town Center Dental can helpTeeth Straightening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-straightening)

## Related terms

-   [Braces](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/braces)
-   [Clear aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/clear-aligners)
-   [Retainer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/retainer)
-   [Malocclusion](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/malocclusion)
-   [Orthodontist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/orthodontist)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Orthodontics - Braces](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/orthodontics)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)