Dentofacial orthopedics, or d-f-o, is an orthodontic specialty that deals with the relationship of the upper and lower jaws in the growing child. If the size or position of the upper jaw doesn't match the size or position of the lower jaw, it may be difficult for the upper and lower teeth to meet correctly.

Adults, in particular, can be very self-conscious about wearing braces. Many orthodontists can now offer an alternative to the familiar conventional stainless steel braces.

You may not need a full set of braces when a problem is limited to one or two teeth. Much simpler fixed or removable appliances can be used to get significant results in a short period of time.

Several types of oral appliances can be used to straighten teeth or correct jaw position. The three main types of appliances are fixed, removable, and functional braces.

Orthognathics, or surgical orthodontics, is the use of surgery to correct problems in the jaws of adults whose bones have stopped growing. The orthodontist teams up with an oral surgeon to align the teeth and jaws at the same time.

The tempro mandibular joint, or T-M-J, is the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. Smooth operation of the joint is necessary for comfortable speaking, chewing, or other functions.