frenos
/fɾenos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, orthodontic braces is translated as frenos.
The phrase refers to the dental appliances used to straighten or align teeth.
What does it mean word for word?
The word frenos literally means 'brakes'.
Which one should you use?
Frenos is a colloquial way to describe the braces, whereas aparatos de ortodoncia refers more specifically to the orthodontic appliances themselves. Additionally, ortodoncia can be used as a formal way to refer to the field of orthodontics or the braces themselves.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Frenos is an informal or colloquial term. For a more formal or clinical expression, use aparatos de ortodoncia or ortodoncia.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Argentina and Chile, the term frenos dentales is used to refer to orthodontic braces.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɾenos/
Did you know?
- While frenos is widely understood in the Americas, people in Spain almost never use this word for teeth and would likely use brackets or aparatos instead.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, getting frenos is often viewed as a rite of passage for adolescents rather than just a medical necessity.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear the term brackets used instead of frenos, which is a direct anglicism borrowed from English.
Examples in context
- Mi hijo necesita aparatos de ortodoncia para corregir su sonrisa.My son needs orthodontic braces to correct his smile.
- Me voy a especializar en ortodoncia y en la colocación de aparatos.I am going to specialize in orthodontics and the placement of braces.
- Mi hermana se quitó los frenos hace poco.My sister recently got her braces off.
- Me pusieron brackets en los dientes superiores.I got braces on my upper teeth.
- Me voy a poner frenillos el próximo mes.I'm getting braces next month.
- El dentista recomendó aparatos de ortodoncia para corregir la mordida cruzada.The dentist recommended orthodontic braces to correct the crossbite.
- Necesito unos frenos para enderezar mis dientes.I need braces to straighten my teeth.
- Los frenos son un poco molestos al principio.Braces are a bit uncomfortable at first.
- Ella tiene que usar frenos por dos años.She has to wear braces for two years.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about dental appointments.
- Alejandro¿Vas al dentista para ponerte frenos?Are you going to the dentist to get braces?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, necesito arreglar mi mordida.Yes, Alejandro, I need to fix my bite.
- AlejandroEspero que no te duelan mucho los frenos.I hope the braces don't hurt you much.
- LucíaGracias, espero que el proceso sea rápido.Thanks, I hope the process is fast.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
