Orthodontics is the study and treatment of malocclusions or improper bites using dental surgical instruments. Malocclusions can either be acquired (e.g. crowded teeth) or inherited (e.g. accidental bump).
Problems that will benefit from orthodontic treatment include crowding of teeth, space between teeth and other irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face. Orthodontic treatment is often carried out to correct and improve bite with the use of dental surgical instruments and equipments but more often than not it can also be for the improvement of the general appearance of the patient and improve self-confidence and self esteem.
The length of the dental treatment with the orthodontic appliance depends on complexity or simplicity of the dental case of the patient but usually ranges from one to three years. Minor cases require less time and different people respond differently some faster or slower than others. Also the cooperation of the patient is very important.
There are different types of dental appliances available. They can either be fixed or removable. Both are used to move teeth to its proper position, re-train the muscles and correct the growth of the jaw and they work by gentling applying pressure to the teeth and jaws.
Fixed appliances
•    Braces. This is the most common orthodontic appliance. Braces consist of brackets, wires, bands, among others. Bands are used as anchors for the appliance and are fixed. The brackets are then bonded to the tooth and the wires will then pass thru the brackets and will secure to the bands. Thus tightening the wires puts tension on the teeth and moving to the desired and proper position. These are done using dental surgical instruments.
•    Special fixed appliances. These dental surgical instruments are used to control among others thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. These dental appliances are attached to the teeth by bands.
•    Fixed space maintainers. These dental appliances are used to keep the open space of a fallen temporary tooth until the permanent tooth grows.
Removable appliances
•    Aligners. These are an alternative to dental braces for adults. Serial aligners are used by a number of orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, less the metal wires and brackets. Aligners are colorless and are virtually invisible.
•    Removable space maintainers. It has the same function as fixed space maintainers.
•    Jaw repositioning appliances. These are also known as splints and are worn on either the top or lower jaw. This dental appliance helps train the jaw to close to the proper or more favorable position.
•    Lip and cheek bumpers. It is intended to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Helps in relieving the pressure caused by the lip and cheek muscles.
•    Palatal expander are used to widen the arch of the upper jaw.
•    Removable retainers prevent the teeth from returning to their previous position. Headgear. This has a strap that is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front. Headgear is used to slow the growth of the upper jaw. They then hold the back teeth while the front teeth are pulled back.
The patient needs to do his part for a successful orthodontic treatment. Foods to avoid are hard and sticky in substance. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. A successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the dentist and the patient and requires a consistent, cooperative effort by both.

Damaged appliances can lengthen the treatment time and may cause undesirable effect to the teeth and outcome. A damaged bracket, broken wire should be reported to the dentist immediately for repair with the correct dental surgical instruments so as not to aggravate the teeth and return the patient to its treatment plan.