Meaning & use
orthodontist
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Meaning
nouncountable
A dentist who specializes in correcting teeth that are not straight and in treating problems with the way the jaws meet.
Grammar: Countable; use 'an orthodontist' for one, 'orthodontists' for more than one.
Patterns
- see an orthodontist
- an orthodontist recommends something
- a visit to the orthodontist
My sister sees an orthodontist every month to have her braces adjusted.
The orthodontist took X-rays before deciding on a treatment plan.
If your teeth are crowded, your dentist may send you to an orthodontist.
Word forms
| plural | orthodontists |
|---|
Common combinations
- see an orthodontist
- You should see an orthodontist if your bite feels uneven.
- orthodontist appointment
- I have an orthodontist appointment after school on Tuesday.
- consult an orthodontist
- Before getting braces, consult an orthodontist about the options.
- orthodontist recommends braces
- The orthodontist recommended braces for at least eighteen months.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dentist
- Use 'dentist' for a general tooth doctor who checks and treats teeth; an orthodontist is a specialist in straightening teeth and jaw alignment.
- dental specialist
- This is a broader term for any dentist with extra training; an orthodontist is one specific type of dental specialist.
Word family
- orthodontics noun
- The branch of dentistry that deals with straightening teeth and correcting jaw problems.
- orthodontic adjective
- Relating to orthodontics, as in 'orthodontic treatment' or 'orthodontic braces'.
Commonly confused: orthodontist or orthopedist? orthodontist or pedodontist?
orthodontist vs orthopedist
An orthopedist is a doctor who treats bones and muscles, while an orthodontist treats teeth and jaws. The similar spelling often causes confusion.
orthodontist vs pedodontist
A pedodontist (also called a pediatric dentist) treats children's teeth in general; an orthodontist focuses on straightening teeth for patients of any age.
Practice
My teeth are very crooked, so my dentist said I should see an ______.
Choose one answer.
An orthodontist straightens teeth and corrects bite problems, which fits crooked teeth. An orthopedist treats bones, an optometrist checks eyes, and a dermatologist treats skin, so they do not fit the context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “orthodontist”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.