orthodontia
noun
or·tho·don·tia
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän(t)-sh(ē-)ə 
1
2
: dental appliances (such as braces) used in orthodontic treatment
Examples of orthodontia in a Sentence
We took out a loan to pay for our son's orthodontia.
Recent Examples on the Web
There is a vast difference between the gleaming rows of piano-key teeth that have overtaken our screens in the last decade and basic orthodontia that corrects the wonky bites and crowding that can lead to gum inflammation, jaw pain and headaches, even tooth loss over time.
—
Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of orthodontia and the fall of smoking have played roles in bringing about this new normal.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024
Following 14 months with dental brackets on her teeth, the single mom of five debuted her fresh orthodontia to her family.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024
Most patients will need rhinoplasty and years of orthodontia as well and, in some cases, additional surgeries to help with things like speech.
—Megan Rose, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2024
Mewing is viewed online as a free alternative to plastic surgery or orthodontia, which can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2023
Cheaper than orthodontia and cosmetic surgery even.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 May 2010
This leaves less room for teeth, which have changed little in size or abundance over human history—and may help explain why crooked choppers and a need for orthodontia are so common, study author Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel tells the BBC.
—Douglas Main, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2011
Twigs isn't the only celebrity to experiment with adult orthodontia.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Dec. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Valerie Monroe, Allure, 28 Mar. 2025
The rise of orthodontia and the fall of smoking have played roles in bringing about this new normal.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2024
Following 14 months with dental brackets on her teeth, the single mom of five debuted her fresh orthodontia to her family.
—Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024
Most patients will need rhinoplasty and years of orthodontia as well and, in some cases, additional surgeries to help with things like speech.
—Megan Rose, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2024
Mewing is viewed online as a free alternative to plastic surgery or orthodontia, which can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2023
Cheaper than orthodontia and cosmetic surgery even.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 May 2010
This leaves less room for teeth, which have changed little in size or abundance over human history—and may help explain why crooked choppers and a need for orthodontia are so common, study author Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel tells the BBC.
—Douglas Main, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2011
Twigs isn't the only celebrity to experiment with adult orthodontia.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Orthodontia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthodontia. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
orthodontia
noun
orth·odon·tia
ˌȯr-thə-ˈdän-ch(ē-)ə
1
2
: dental appliances (as braces) used in orthodontic treatment
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share