Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's appearance.

Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth

Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back

Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally

Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together

Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth

Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth

Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate