ortodoncista
/oɾtodonθista/from spelling rulesfeminine, masculine
The English word 'orthodontist' is translated into Spanish as ortodoncista. Wiktionary also lists ortodontista.
Meaning: orthodontic dentist (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ortodoncista | /oɾtodonθista/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /oɾtodonsista/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine, masculine |
| ortodontista | /oɾtodontista/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
The term ortodoncista is derived from the noun ortodoncia, which means orthodontics.
Which one should you use?
Both ortodoncista and ortodontista are used to mean 'orthodontist', but ortodoncista is the more standard and common term in most Spanish-speaking regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is common gender, meaning the word itself does not change for gender, but the definite article 'el' or 'la' indicates whether the professional is male or female.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾtodonθista/
Did you know?
- The root of ortodoncista is the Greek 'orthos' meaning 'straight', which is the same root used in the English word 'orthodox' to describe 'straight' or 'correct' beliefs.
- The suffix -ista is used for a wide range of roles in Spanish, linking a medical professional like an ortodoncista to athletes like a ciclista or creatives like an artista.
- The -ista ending in ortodoncista evolved from the Ancient Greek suffix -tḗs through Latin before entering the Spanish language.
Examples in context
- Voy a ir al ortodoncista para revisar mis brackets.I'm going to the orthodontist to have my braces checked.
- Mi dentista me derivó a un especialista en ortodoncia.My dentist referred me to a specialist in orthodontics.
- Mi ortodoncista es muy amable.My orthodontist is very kind.
- Necesito encontrar un ortodoncista nuevo.I need to find a new orthodontist.
- El ortodoncista me puso los brackets.The orthodontist put my braces on.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about their dental health.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes un buen ortodoncista?Javier, do you have a good orthodontist?
- JavierSí, mi ortodoncista es excelente.Yes, my orthodontist is excellent.
- MaríaNecesito arreglar mi sonrisa pronto.I need to fix my smile soon.
- JavierTe daré el número de mi doctor.I will give you my doctor's number.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orthodontist” translations and entries ortodoncista, ortodontista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ortodoncista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
