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
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-tik How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
adjective
orthodontically
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
adverb
orthodontist
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-tist How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
noun

Examples of orthodontics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ting allegedly used his position as orthodontics chair to lower section expenses, including seeking to cut pay for part-time instructors in the clinic, to preserve faculty profit-sharing payments, according to the report. — Alexis Timko, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 Ultimately, adult orthodontics can be about more than just teeth. — Erin Warwood, Women's Health, 31 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthodontics was in 1909

Rhymes for orthodontics

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Browse Nearby Words

orthodontia
orthodontics
orthodox
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Cite this Entry

“Orthodontics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthodontics. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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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
-ik How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
adjective
orthodontically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce orthodontics (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on orthodontics

Nglish: Translation of orthodontics for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orthodontics

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