Orthodontics is the specialist branch of dentistry concerned with the growth and development of the teeth and jaws. Malocclusion (or 'bad bite') is the term given to irregularities of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontic treatment aims to correct malocclusion by making the best of your teeth and improving the harmony of your mouth and jaw. Once your bite has been improved, you can eat more comfortably and care for your teeth and gums more easily.
Apart from an improved smile, there are a number of other reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment:
Impacted and missing teeth
Protruding upper front teeth (overjet) and reverse bite of the front teeth (underbite)
Cross-bites of back and front teeth causing jaw joint problems
Crowded teeth when the jaw is too small for all the teeth
Overbites when the lower teeth bite on the upper gum