Orthodontics is the Dentistry Speciality responsible for correcting the position of the teeth. It´s a treatment that can be performed both in children and adults in order to place the teeth in a preferred position both in the functional and aesthetic aspect using fixed or removable appliances that are more commonly known as braces.
At younger ages before 10 or 12 years old before the eruption of permanent teeth interventions are minimal and mainly preventive in order to avoid the premature loss of deciduous teeth ("baby teeth"). If needed the use of simple appliances or procedures is prescribed.
Complete fixed appliances are only used after the deciduous teeth have been completely changed. However, in more complicated and critical cases orthodontics can and should be started much earlier.
