This is a field of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dentofacial irregularities. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in design, application and control of a host of corrective appliances (braces) to bring the teeth, lips and jaw into proper alignment and relationship. If your teeth are irregular, do not bite right and you feel conscious about it, an orthodontist can help. Such problems are called malocclusion. Orthodontists are dentists who are specially trained to straighten teeth (orthodontics) and intercept certain types of developing malocclusion in a growing child by modifying bone growth in the jaws (dentofacial orthopaedics).