There are many reasons why a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment. It is used to correct a malocclusion (bad bite), a condition caused by crowded, crooked or protruding teeth; teeth that are out of alignment; or jaws that do not meet properly. Malocclusion may be inherited, or it may be the result of thumb sucking, the premature loss of teeth or an accident. Correcting the problem can result in better oral health because crooked and crowded teeth can make daily oral hy