orthodontics

noun

or·​tho·​don·​tics ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-tiks How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth (such as malocclusion) and their correction (as by braces)
also : the treatment provided by a specialist in orthodontics
orthodontic adjective
orthodontically adverb
orthodontist noun

Examples of orthodontics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ultimately, adult orthodontics can be about more than just teeth. Erin Warwood, Women's Health, 31 Jan. 2023 With orthodontics, veneers, implants and teeth whiteners, dentists can give anyone a beautiful smile nowadays. Amanda Foreman, WSJ, 3 Nov. 2022 But a business model inspired by the wider direct-to-consumer trend might continue to show limitations in a field as sensitive as orthodontics. Carol Ryan, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 In 2007, the Daily Bruin looked into claims that donations influenced admissions to the orthodontics program. Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 Moon was the former program director for the section of orthodontics. Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 About five years ago, the manufacturing company 3M, which makes items like adhesives, laminates, orthodontics and masks, did a survey that yielded some troubling results: Public enthusiasm for science was low. New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022 The company helps dentists provide orthodontics like traditional braces and clear aligners, solving for a shortage of orthodontists. Sean McDonnell, cleveland, 20 Apr. 2022 This sleek model can be filled with either water or mouthwash and is gentle enough to use on implants, veneers, and orthodontics. Emily Belfiore, Health.com, 29 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orthodontics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthodontics was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near orthodontics

Cite this Entry

“Orthodontics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthodontics. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

orthodontics

noun
orth·​odon·​tics
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdänt-iks
: a branch of dentistry dealing with faults in the arrangement and placing of teeth and with their correction (as by means of braces)
orthodontic
-ˈdänt-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

orthodontics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
orth·​odon·​tics -ˈdänt-iks How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
1
: a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction (as by means of braces)
2
: the treatment provided by an orthodontist
orthodontic adjective
orthodontically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on orthodontics

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