Orthodontist

/ˌɔrθəˈdɑntɪst/ noun

Definition

A dentist who specializes in correcting teeth alignment and bite problems using braces or other devices.

Etymology

From Greek 'ortho-' meaning 'straight' and 'odont-' meaning 'tooth,' plus the suffix '-ist' for a specialist. Literally translates to 'one who straightens teeth,' a field that emerged in the late 1800s.

Kelly Says

The name is brilliantly literal—'ortho' means straight and 'dont' means tooth, so an orthodontist literally straightens teeth, and the Greek origins show how dentistry borrowed ancient language to sound scientific and trustworthy!

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