Dental braces (also known as orthoontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to correct alignment of teeth and their position with regard to a persons bite. Braces are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws, create spaces between teeth, or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic patients are usually children or teenagers, but include some adults as well.