1. metal wires and brackets attached to teeth to straighten them
Usage: medical/dental
2. straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers
Usage: chiefly British
3. devices used to support or strengthen something

Examples

• She got braces to fix her crooked teeth.
• The orthodontist tightened her braces during the appointment.
• He wore colorful braces to hold up his trousers.
• The old man’s braces kept his pants from falling down.
• Metal braces were installed to support the sagging beam.
• The building needed structural braces after the earthquake.
• Her braces made it difficult to eat corn on the cob.