braces
Americanplural noun
Explanation
Braces are put on your teeth to help straighten them. Braces are most often seen on kids between the ages of nine and fourteen, but every once in a while you might find an adult with them too! Braces are orthodontic devices that date back to ancient times. Some Egyptian mummies have been discovered with makeshift ones. Modern-day braces work by applying gentle pressure to shift teeth into their desired positions using wires, brackets, and colorful rubber bands. While a journey with braces involves some discomfort and tooth sensitivity, the end result is often a wonderfully aligned set of teeth that can boost both oral health and confidence.
Vocabulary lists containing braces
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Oil companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico have begun curbing production and evacuating personnel from offshore facilities as the region braces for Tropical Storm Isaias.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
Coastal communities are beginning to assess the damage from waves and flooding as Southern California braces for more potentially destructive conditions from a ‘coastally trapped Kelvin wave.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
“Modeling was performing, but I had braces and noticed I was chubbier than everybody else, creating new anxieties. To be 11, 12, and 13 just sucked.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
Their meeting comes as the 27-member European Union braces for tough negotiations to agree a joint budget for the seven-year stretch 2028-34.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
Would I be happier if Isabella got her braces back on and let her eyebrows grow together?
From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée
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