Which dental specialty is primarily concerned with aligning or straightening teeth?

• A. Endodontics
• B. Orthodontics
• C. Prosthodontics
• D. Periodontics

Answer: (B)

Aligning or straightening teeth is the focus of orthodontics, the dental specialty that corrects tooth position and bite. Orthodontists diagnose issues like crowding, spacing, and improper jaw alignment, then create a treatment plan to move teeth into proper positions using braces, wires, elastics, or clear aligners. The aim is to improve how the teeth function together and how they look, making it easier to clean and maintain them and reducing wear over time. Other specialties focus on different problems—endodontics handles tooth pulp and root canals, prosthodontics restores or replaces missing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, or implants, and periodontics treats the gums and supporting bone. Because orthodontics centers on aligning teeth and correcting bite, it’s the best fit for questions about straightening teeth.