orthodontia

noun

or·​tho·​don·​tia ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän(t)-sh(ē-)ə 

1

: orthodontics

2

: dental appliances (such as braces) used in orthodontic treatment

Examples of orthodontia in a Sentence

We took out a loan to pay for our son's orthodontia.

Recent Examples on the Web

The rise of orthodontia and the fall of smoking have played roles in bringing about this new normal. — Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024

Twigs isn't the only celebrity to experiment with adult orthodontia. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Dec. 2022

Mewing is viewed online as a free alternative to plastic surgery or orthodontia, which can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. — Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2023

Most patients will need rhinoplasty and years of orthodontia as well and, in some cases, additional surgeries to help with things like speech. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2024

Following 14 months with dental brackets on her teeth, the single mom of five debuted her fresh orthodontia to her family. — Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024

Letting everyone save their own money for an HSA provides tax-free accounts that consumers own and can use for many health items not always covered by traditional medical insurance, such as orthodontia. — MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

This leaves less room for teeth, which have changed little in size or abundance over human history—and may help explain why crooked choppers and a need for orthodontia are so common, study author Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel tells the BBC. — Douglas Main, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2011

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

circa 1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

orthodontia

noun

orth·​odon·​tia ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-ch(ē-)ə 

1

: orthodontics

2

: dental appliances (as braces) used in orthodontic treatment