braces

American  

[brey-siz] / ˈbreɪ sɪz /

plural noun

1. Orthodontics. brace.

2. Chiefly British. suspenders.

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braces British  

/ ˈbreɪsɪz /

plural noun

1. US and Canadian word: suspenders.  a pair of straps worn over the shoulders by men for holding up the trousers

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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.

Example Sentences

A series of yellow wind and snow warnings are set to take effect on Saturday afternoon as the country braces for a blustery Easter weekend.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

A new large-scale analysis has identified knee braces, water therapy, and exercise as the most effective non-drug options for managing knee osteoarthritis.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

I donned rainbow hair, medical knee braces and prescription compression socks to my surgery date.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Harmon frequently treks through the desert, wearing ankle braces and an orange safety vest, chatting with Border Patrol agents who appear to have taken to her.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2026

He flashed his biggest smile and hoped he didn't have any breakfast left in his braces.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty