When most people think of orthodontics, they picture metal braces and perfectly straight teeth. But orthodontics goes far beyond cosmetic improvement. It's a specialized branch of dentistry that plays a key role in enhancing your oral health, facial symmetry, and overall well-being. Whether you're an adult considering Invisalign or a parent looking into braces for your child, understanding orthodontics can help you make informed decisions for lifelong dental health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what orthodontics is, the different treatment options available, how it works, and how it can dramatically improve not only your smile but also your general health. What Is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaw. This includes problems like crooked teeth, overcrowding, bite misalignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite), jaw discrepancies, and more. Orthodontists use a v...