ur goals and your dreams. You want to look good and feel good. Every day, your smile is there for the world to see. It’s the window between you and the world. But, if you’re one of the many people who have teeth that do not line up correctly, you may be self-conscious about your smile. Misaligned teeth may also cause various dental health problems. Fortunately, many of these problems can be resolved through orthodontics.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, which is simply another way of saying “bad bite.” When you have a malocclusion, that means your teeth, lips and/or jaw do not line up the way they should. As a result, your teeth may be crooked, your bite may not work correctly and your jaws may look unbalanced.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those with this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw problems. Other malocclusions are acquired. In other words, they develop over time. They can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, the early or late loss of baby teeth, loss of permanent teeth, poor nutrition, or some medical problems. Sometimes, an inherited malocclusion is complicated by an acquired problem. But, whatever the cause, an orthodontist is usually able to treat most conditions successfully.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. Such problems can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. A bad bite may also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty chewing and/or speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue and possible joint problems.

There’s also the emotional side of an unattractive smile. When you’re not confident in the way you look, your self-esteem suffers. Children and adults whose malocclusions are left untreated may go through life feeling self-conscious, hiding their smiles with tight lips or a protective hand.

Finally, without treatment, many problems become worse. Orthodontic treatment to correct a problem may prove less costly than the additional dental treatment required for the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers. The fact is, most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14; however, by age 7, most children have a mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That’s important, because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they’re found early.

For these reasons, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect. Of course, the check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine, and that can be comforting news.

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily for adults as for children. Orthodontic forces move teeth in the same way for both adults and children. Many options are available today to minimize the appearance of braces. Today’s appliances are smaller and sleeker, and some are next to invisible. An orthodontist can advise you as to what options are recommended for your particular needs.

A pleasing smile can be a big plus for you on the road of life. It engages others and shares warmth. Your smile is an essential part of who you are and how others see you. Orthodontics is an investment in you and your future.

Smile. Enjoy life.