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

SINGAPORE—Singapore’s central bank tightened monetary policy settings for the first time in over three years as it braces for the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

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

The study compared 12 different therapies, including laser therapy, electrical stimulation, knee braces, insoles, kinesiology tape, water-based therapy, exercise, and ultrasound.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 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

Well, Joaquin still had his, but Maya’s parents had put her through two years of braces in order to correct it.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway