or·tho·don·tics
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-tiks
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
or·tho·don·tic
¦ȯr-thə-¦dän-tik
: of or relating to orthodontics
orthodontic studies
: involving the methods of orthodontics
orthodontic care of facial abnormalities
orthodontically
adverb
That doesn't mean that adults can't have braces. Healthy teeth can be orthodontically treated at any age.
—Kimberly Gragg, The Asheville (North Carolina) Citizen-Times, 24 June 2014
Cite this Entry
“Orthodontics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthodontics. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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