Orthodontia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A specialized area of dentistry that aims to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaw structures with the use of braces and other corrective devices
2. An aspect of dental practice dedicated to the alignment of teeth and jaws, utilizing various tools for correction and enhancement of oral health
3. A branch of dental science focused on correcting improper teeth and jaw alignment through various devices and techniques for improved function and aesthetics

Etymology: Orthodontia is built from two Greek elements: "orthos," meaning straight or correct, and "odous" (genitive "odontos"), meaning tooth. The "-ia" ending is the Greek suffix that turns a descriptive idea into a field of practice, so the word literally names the work of straightening teeth. Its parts are old, but the compound is a modern coinage, formed from classical building blocks rather than handed down from ancient physicians. The same "orthos" appears in "orthopedics," the correction of bones, and "orthography," correct writing, which makes orthodontia a close relative of both. Greek "odous" also lies behind "dentist" and "dental," though those came into English through Latin "dens" rather than directly from the Greek.

Synonyms: braces, dental alignment