braces
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braces
An orthodontic device made of metal or plastic that is used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
Viele Jugendliche müssen für einige Jahre eine Zahnspange tragen.
Many teenagers have to wear braces for several years.
The word is made up of 'Zahn' (tooth) and 'Spange' (clip/brace). A 'Spange' is a clasp, clip, or holder. So a 'Zahnspange' is literally a 'clip for the teeth'.
Meine kleine Schwester bekommt bald eine Zahnspange.
My little sister is getting braces soon.
In connection with braces, the verbs 'tragen' (to wear), 'bekommen' (to get), and 'einsetzen' (to put in/fit) are often used. The verb 'tragen' describes the state of having braces.
Ich musste als Teenager zwei Jahre lang eine Zahnspange tragen.
As a teenager, I had to wear braces for two years.
The length of time someone wears them is often given with the preposition 'für' (for). Typical sentences describe how long someone has to, or had to, wear braces.
Der Arzt sagt, sie muss die Zahnspange für etwa ein Jahr tragen.
The doctor says she has to wear the braces for about a year.
clip / brace / clasp
'die Spange' and 'die Zahnspange' can both refer to the appliance that corrects teeth. In this sense, 'Spange' is a short, colloquial form of 'Zahnspange' (braces). 'Zahnspange' is more precise and immediately clear. However, 'Spange' can also mean something else, for example a hair clip or a clasp. This can lead to confusion when the context is not clear. At the dentist or when talking about teeth, 'Spange' is usually understood as 'Zahnspange'. In other situations, 'Zahnspange' is the safer and more precise form.
Der Zahnarzt sagt, dass Max die Zahnspange noch ein Jahr tragen muss.
The dentist says that Max has to wear his braces for another year.
Nach dem Essen putzt Lena ihre Spange besonders gründlich.
After eating, Lena cleans her braces especially thoroughly.