What does orthodontist mean?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of irregularities involving the teeth and jaws. The most common work involves moving misaligned teeth into better positions, usually with braces, retainers, or clear aligners, while also considering how the upper and lower teeth meet when the mouth closes. Orthodontic treatment can improve a person’s bite, oral hygiene, appearance, and sometimes jaw-related discomfort. Although people commonly associate the profession with braces and straightened smiles, an orthodontist also evaluates tooth and jaw development and may recommend early intervention for children or additional treatment for adults. The term is recognized in both British and American English. It should not be confused with the broader term “dentist,” which covers many aspects of oral and dental care rather than specializing primarily in alignment and occlusion.
nounA dentist who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting irregularities in the position of the teeth and jaws, often using braces, aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
- A medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of tooth and jaw irregularities, especially misaligned teeth and malocclusions.
"She visited an orthodontist to discuss braces for her crooked teeth."
"The orthodontist explained how long her treatment with clear aligners would take."
"He was referred to an orthodontist because his bite was causing persistent jaw pain."
The usual plural for more than one orthodontic specialist.
"The clinic employs several orthodontists who work with children and adults."
An orthodontist does more than straighten teeth: the specialist guides the teeth and jaw into positions that support both a healthy bite and an effective smile.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does orthodontist come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from the combining form “ortho-,” meaning straight or correct, and “-dontist,” a specialist term derived from Greek odous or odontos, meaning tooth. The related word “orthodontics” developed as the name of the field concerned with straightening and correcting the teeth and jaws. The Greek elements also connect the term with cognates such as “orthognathic,” “orthodoxy,” and “orthography,” all of which use the sense of straight, correct, or properly ordered.
Related word forms
How orthodontist is actually used
The word is used in professional and everyday medical contexts. It is more specific than “dentist” and is sometimes informally used in the broader sense of a practitioner who straightens teeth.
Easily confused with orthodontist
A dentist provides general oral care, including checkups, fillings, and extractions, whereas an orthodontist specializes in correcting tooth and jaw alignment.