#The American Association of Orthodontists ">Find information about orthodontic services and treatments and orthodontists near you, provided by the American Association of Orthodontists." "- [About the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)]():The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) promotes the highest standards of orthodontic care through education, advocacy, and advancing research in the field of orthodontics." - [Adult Orthodontics](https://aaoinfo.org/adult-orthodontics/):Understand options for orthodontic treatment in adulthood. AAO provides information about treatments and conditions that could require adult orthodontic treatments. - [Child Orthodontics](https://aaoinfo.org/child-orthodontics/):AAO provides information about how parents can learn when children might need orthodontic treatments and helps them understand what treatment will be like. "- [Find an Orthodontist](https://aaoinfo.org/locator/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) provides a convenient locator tool to help users find a qualified orthodontist near them, ensuring access to professional treatment." "- [Mewing](https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/is-mewing-bad-for-you/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) discusses the trend of mewing, weighing its potential benefits and risks, and explains why it may not be the ideal approach for everyone." "- [Braces](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/braces/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) details the benefits and process of traditional braces, highlighting their effectiveness in treating a variety of orthodontic issues." "- [Aligners](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/aligners/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) presents aligners as a discreet, convenient alternative to braces, offering a clear solution for straightening teeth with minimal impact on daily life." "- [Retainers](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/retainers/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) explains the role of retainers in maintaining teeth alignment after orthodontic treatment, emphasizing their importance for long-term results." "- [Archwires](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/archwires/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) highlights archwires as key components in braces, guiding tooth movement and helping to achieve the desired alignment over time." "- [Elastics](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-elastics/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) covers the use of orthodontic elastics to apply additional pressure and align the jaw, enhancing treatment effectiveness." "- [Mouthguards](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/mouth-guards/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) informs users about the importance of mouthguards in protecting teeth during orthodontic treatment, particularly for those engaging in sports." - [Orthodontic Surgery](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) discusses orthodontic surgery as a more advanced treatment option for severe bite and alignment issues that cannot be corrected with braces alone. "- [How to Choose an Orthodontist](https://aaoinfo.org/resources/how-to-choose-an-orthodontist/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) offers practical tips on selecting the right orthodontist, ensuring patients find a trusted professional who meets their needs." "- [Orthodontists vs. Dentists - What's the Difference?](https://aaoinfo.org/resources/orthodontist-vs-dentist/):The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) compares orthodontists and general dentists, clarifying the specialized training and expertise of orthodontists in tooth alignment and related treatments." - [At-Home Orthodontics](https://aaoinfo.org/resources/at-home-orthodontics/):AAO explains the risks of at-home orthodontics and what factors patients should consider when choosing a treatment plan.