The word orthodontics comes from the Greek words "ortho" meaning straight and "odons" meaning tooth. An Orthodontist works in the specialty area of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites). Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth. Treatment performed by an Orthodontist can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons — improving the general appearance of patients' teeth and face for cosmetic reasons — but treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).
An Orthodontist uses braces in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws, create spaces between teeth, or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. Most orthodontic patients are children or teenagers, however, recently, more adults have been seeking orthodontic treatment. The most common condition that the methods of orthodontics are used for is correcting anteroposterior discrepancies. Another common situation leading to orthodontic treatment is crowding of the teeth. The first step is to determine if braces are suitable for the patient. If braces are appropriate, a records appointment is set up where X-rays, moulds, and impressions are made. After a course of active orthodontic treatment, patients will often wear retainers, which will maintain the teeth in their improved position while the surrounding bone reforms around them.
The American Association of Orthodontists is an American advocate group and professional association for orthodontists. Most American orthodontists, about 95 percent, are members. A number of dental schools and hospitals in the United States offer advanced education in the specialty of Orthodontics to dentists seeking postgraduate education. The courses range from two to three years of full-time classes and clinical work in the clinical and theoretical aspects of orthodontics. A list of orthodontic schools can be obtained from the American Association of Orthodontists.
Oakland, founded in 1852, is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the sixth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States. In early 2007, Oakland's population reached 415,492. In the census of 2000, there were 399,484 people residing in the city.
Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets. Attractions include Jack London Square, the Oakland Museum of California, the Chabot Space and Science Center, Lake Merritt, the East Bay Regional Park District ridge line parks and preserves, and Chinatown. Oakland is served by several major highways: Interstate 80 (Eastshore Freeway), Interstate 580 (MacArthur Freeway), Interstate 880 (Nimitz Freeway), Interstate 980, State Route 13 (Warren Freeway) and State Route 24 (Grove Shafter Freeway). A stub of a planned freeway was constructed at the High Street exit from the Nimitz Freeway, but that freeway extension plan was abandoned.
Oakland California has teams in three professional sports - the Oakland Athletics (MLB: American League) who play games at McAfee Coliseum, the Oakland Raiders (NFL: AFC West) who play games at McAfee Coliseum, and the Golden State Warriors (NBA: Western Conference) who play games at Oracle Arena. The University of California, Berkeley campus is located partially within the Oakland city limits. Oakland is also the home of the headquarters of the University of California system. Oakland's three largest public high schools are Oakland High School, Oakland Technical High School, and Skyline High School.