When teeth erupt out of their normal positions it is called a malocclusion.  Malocclusions can vary from minor involving one or a few rotated teeth, to severe in which the bones and teeth do not line up at all.  Orthodontics is the dental specialty concerned with moving teeth into their correct positions in the mouth. 

It is necessary to treat some developing malocclusions when a child is 6 or younger to take advantage of normal growth and development in correcting the problem.  Other problems are treated more traditionally when the last baby teeth fall out.  Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment to improve their health and their smile.

Some of the methods used in treating malocclusion are available via the links at the left.

Last modified: 05/03/04