Aliners

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A dental device designed to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment; clear, removable appliances used in orthodontic treatment; transparent trays custom-fitted to straighten teeth over time
2. Orthodontic tools made from clear plastic that apply gentle pressure to teeth to correct positioning; removable aligners used as an alternative to traditional braces; custom dental aids that invisibly realign teeth
3. Transparent dental apparatuses worn to incrementally adjust teeth; clear orthodontic trays that can be taken out for eating and cleaning; devices crafted to straighten teeth without metal brackets or wires

Etymology: "Aliners" is the plural of "aliner," a noun for the clear plastic orthodontic trays that gradually move teeth into position. The singular is formed from the verb "align," which comes from the Old French "aligner," itself from Latin "linea," meaning "line," so the word's core idea is putting things in a straight row. Adding the agent suffix "-er" turns the verb into a noun for the thing doing the aligning, which fits a device whose entire job is to nudge teeth back into line.

Synonyms: liners, inliners