Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry which specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of the teeth and jaws.
The technical term for these problems is malocclusion, which literally means bad bite.
Orthodontic treatment involves the design and use of corrective appliances (such as braces, clear aligners, removable plates, headgears and functional appliances) to bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment.