Dental braces
![Portrait of Fauchard from his 1728 edition of](/Images/godic/202501/31/Portrait_de_Pierre_Fauchard_dans_un_livre_ancien_d'odontologie4800.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202501/31/Transparent-Bracket4800.JPG"){kind=spacer}
![A patient's teeth are prepared for application of braces.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Braces_cement_placement4800.jpg")
![Dental braces, with a transparent power chain, removed after completion of treatment.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Dental_braces4800.jpg")
Dental braces (also known as braces, orthodontic cases, or cases) are devices used in orthodontics that align and straighten teeth and help to position them with regard to a person's bite, while also working to improve dental health. They are often used to correct underbites, as well as malocclusions, overbites, open bites, deep bites, cross bites, crooked teeth, and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. Braces can be either cosmetic or structural. Dental braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to help widen the palate or jaws and to otherwise assist in shaping the teeth and jaws.