An orthodontist is a specialist who has undergone special training in a dental school or college after they have graduated in dentistry. The field was established by the efforts of pioneering orthodontists such as Edward Angle and Norman William Kingsley.

Orthodontics" is derived from the Greek orthos ("correct", "straight") and -odont- ("tooth").

Typically treatment for malocclusion can take 1 to 2 years to complete, with braces being altered slightly every 4 to 8 weeks by the orthodontist. There are multiple methods for adjusting malocclusion, depending on the needs of the individual patient. In growing patients there are more options for treating skeletal discrepancies, either promoting or restricting growth using functional appliances, orthodontic headgear or a reverse pull facemask. Most orthodontic work is started during the early permanent dentition stage before skeletal growth is completed. If skeletal growth has completed, orthognathic surgery can be an option. Extraction of teeth can be required in some cases to aid the orthodontic treatment. Starting the treatment process for overjets and prominent upper teeth in children of 8-9yrs rather than waiting until the child has reached adolescence has been shown to reduce damage to the lateral and central incisors.

The Latest techniques involves braces which are hidden from plain sight, in the form ceramic braces, lingual braces or clear aligner systems. These treatment modalities give new dimensions to orthodontic therapy.