orthodontics

American  

[awr-thuh-don-tiks] / ˌɔr θəˈdɒn tɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.

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orthodontics British  

/ ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪks, ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪə /

noun

1. Also called: dental orthopaedics.  (functioning as singular) the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teeth

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Other Word Forms

• orthodontal adjective
• orthodontic adjective
• orthodontist noun

Etymology

Origin of orthodontics

First recorded in 1905–10; orth- + -odont + -ics

Compare meaning

How does orthodontics compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• orthodontia vs. orthodontics

Explanation

Someone who specializes in straightening teeth is an expert in orthodontics. If you have braces, you know a lot about orthodontics, from brackets and rubber bands to the nasty retainers you're forced to wear after the braces have been shed. Dentists who focus on correcting crooked teeth are in the field of orthodontics. Sometimes orthodontics are as straightforward as a year of metal braces, but in other cases a patient might require surgery to correct the problems with their teeth and jaw. These procedures, as well as retainers and braces, are known as orthodonture, and the expert in charge is an orthodontist. The Greek roots of all these words are orthos, "straight," and odont, "tooth."

Example Sentences

Bui, 27, who grew up in South L.A., said that obtaining the certificate led to her job at a private dental practice in Lakewood, where she specialized in orthodontics, adjusting braces and handling other tasks.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

The university has also suspended new student intake for 28 of its courses, including postgraduate degrees in sociology, language and linguistics and orthodontics.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2025

That would more than cover the orthodontics bill.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

SmileDirectClub’s services, which are cheaper than traditional orthodontics because they often do not involve in-person visits, have drawn criticism from dentist and orthodontist groups.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2023

“It’s all for fetching some good revenue,” says a professor of orthodontics at an Indian university who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 6, 2023