Dental braces and retainers are used by orthodontists to help to straighten crooked teeth and correct a misaligned bite in patients as young as 8 or 9. In some cases, a removable retainer will be all that's necessary; in severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Braces, which consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances, work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction.