Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| frenillos | /fɾeniʝos/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| frenillo | /fɾeˈniʝo/ | masculine |
| freno | /ˈfɾeno/ | Latin America, masculine |
| aparato | /apaˈɾato/ | masculine |
| brackets | /bɾaɡkets/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| aparato dental | /apaɾato dental/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| apliques ortodóncicos | /aplikes oɾtodonθikos/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aplikes oɾtodonsikos/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine, plural |
| apliques dentales | /aplikes dentales/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
The word refers to the orthodontic device used for straightening teeth. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the plural form frenillos is the most common way to refer to these devices in everyday conversation.
Which one should you use?
While frenillos is used for braces, the singular form frenillo can also refer to a frenulum, which is a small fold of tissue in the mouth, so context is important. For specific orthodontic terminology, you may see apliques ortodóncicos or apliques dentales used in a plural sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or clinical situations, you can use aparato dental, aparatos dentales or aparatos ortodónticos, the latter of which specifically emphasizes that they are orthodontic appliances.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American regions, the word freno is used colloquially to refer to braces, although this word literally means 'brake'.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾeniʝos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English word 'braces' in Spanish-speaking environments instead of using the local term like frenillos or aparato.
Did you know?
- The term brackets is actually used in many Spanish-speaking regions, borrowed directly from English, despite being a foreign word.
- The word frenillo is a diminutive of freno, which literally means 'brake' in English. This creates a linguistic connection between the device that stops your teeth from moving and the mechanism that stops a vehicle.
Examples in context
- Mi hija tiene frenillos.My daughter has braces.This sentence is useful for saying your daughter has braces.Tatoeba #1264883 by marcelostockle, translation #322885 by CK
- Creo que necesito frenillos.I think I need braces.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for braces.Tatoeba #1264880 by marcelostockle, translation #263641 by CK
- Mary tiene frenillos dentales.Mary has braces.This sentence is useful for saying Mary has braces.Tatoeba #6867399 by albrusgher, translation #1600887 by Spamster
- Juan va a hacerse ajustes en los brackets hoy.Juan is getting his braces adjusted today.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their orthodontic treatments.
- JavierLucía, ¿cuándo te quitan los frenillos?Lucía, when do you get your braces off?
- LucíaMe los quitan el próximo mes.I get them off next month.
- Javier¡Qué suerte! Yo todavía tengo mis frenillos.How lucky! I still have my braces.
- LucíaYa falta poco para que termines, Javier.You're almost done, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “braces” translations and entries frenillos, frenillo, freno, aparato, brackets, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aparato, frenillo, freno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
