[1] Species in the family are acrocarpous or pseudo-pleurocarpous mosses that are epiphytic.

They are usually dioecious and have erect setae and capsules with a well-developed operculum.

The genus Orthodontium was elevated to family status by W. R. Buck and Goffinet (2000) and was originally associated with the Bryales.

The family was elevated the order Orthodontiales by Bell et al.

[3] The family most recently is considered as part of the Rhizogoniales.