orthodontics

[awr-thuh-don-tiks]

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.

orthodontics

/ ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪks, ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪə /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• orthodontic adjective
• orthodontal adjective
• orthodontist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthodontics¹

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