orthodontics

orthodontics
—orthodontic, orthodontal, adj. —orthodontist, n.
/awr'theuh don"tiks/, n. (used with a sing. v.)
the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.
[1905-10; ORTH- + -ODONT + -ICS]

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      division of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregularities of the teeth—generally entailing the straightening of crooked teeth or the correcting of a poor bite, or malocclusion (physiologically unacceptable contact of opposing dentition, which may be caused by imperfect development, loss of teeth, or abnormal growth of jaws). Of significance to the orthodontist is the sequence of eruption (emergence of the tooth from its developmental crypt into the oral cavity), because such knowledge helps to determine the position of the teeth. Human bone responds best to tooth movement before the age of 18, and consequently orthodontic work is usually more beneficial to a child than an adult.

      The practice of orthodontics has existed since early antiquity, but the more elaborate methods of treatment came about in the 20th century. Orthodontics quickly became a specialized branch of dentistry with its own professional organization. Training in orthodontics usually consists of a two-year postgraduate course.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Orthodontics — is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is malocclusion, which means bad bite. Orthodontics is one of the 8 specialties… …   Medical dictionary

  • orthodontics — n. (Med.) A branch of dentistry specializing in the treatment of the teeth so as to make the teeth align properly within the mouth; it usually involves fitting a patient with braces and sometimes oral surgery. [PJC] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • orthodontics — 1909, from Mod.L. orthodontia (1849), from ORTHO (Cf. ortho ) + odon (gen. odontos) tooth (see TOOTH (Cf. tooth)). Orthodontist is attested from 1903 …   Etymology dictionary

  • orthodontics — ► PLURAL NOUN (treated as sing. ) ▪ the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. DERIVATIVES orthodontic adjective orthodontist noun. ORIGIN from Greek odous tooth …   English terms dictionary

  • orthodontics — [ôr΄thōdän′shə, ôr΄thōdän′shə, ôr΄thə dän′shē ə, ôr΄thə dän′shē əôr΄thə dän′tiks] n. [ModL: see ORTH(O) , ODONT, & ICS] the branch of dentistry concerned with diagnosing, correcting, and preventing irregularities of the teeth and poor occlusion:… …   English World dictionary

  • Orthodontics — Orthodontist Occupation Names Orthodontist Activity sectors Dentistry Description Education required …   Wikipedia

  • orthodontics — noun plural but singular in construction Date: 1909 a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth (as malocclusion) and their correction (as by means of braces) • orthodontic adjective • orthodontically adverb • orthodontist noun …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • orthodontics — noun , A specialty of dentistry concerned with correcting misalignment of teeth …   Wiktionary

  • orthodontics — or|tho|don|tics [ˌo:θəˈdɔntıks US ˌo:rθəˈda:n ] n [U] [Date: 1900 2000; Origin: ortho straight (from Greek; ORTHODOX) + Greek odous tooth ] the skill or job of helping teeth to grow straight when they have not been growing correctly… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • orthodontics — or|tho|don|tics [ ,ɔrθə dantıks ] noun uncount the part of DENTISTRY that deals with making teeth straight ╾ or|tho|don|tic adjective …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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