  Variation in the angle $\alpha$ between a pulsar's rotational and magnetic
axes would change the torque and spin-down rate. We show that sudden increases
in $\alpha$, coincident with glitches, could be responsible for the persistent
increases in spin-down rate that follow glitches in the Crab pulsar. Moreover,
changes in $\alpha$ at a rate similar to that inferred for the Crab pulsar
account naturally for the very low braking index of the Vela pulsar. If
$\alpha$ increases with time, all pulsar ages obtained from the conventional
braking model are underestimates. Decoupling of the neutron star liquid
interior from the external torque cannot account for Vela's low braking index.
Variations in the Crab's pulse profile due to changes in $\alpha$ might be
measurable.
