appareil dentaire
/a.pa.ʁɛj dɑ̃.tɛʁ/
The English word 'retainer' in the context of dentistry is translated into French as appareil dentaire.
In French, appareil dentaire is a general term that can refer to both braces and retainers.
Meaning: dentistry: device (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/a.pa.ʁɛj dɑ̃.tɛʁ/. The word has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- French speakers may use the slang term bagues meaning 'rings' when referring to the brackets of an appareil dentaire.
- In a French pharmacy or dental office, simply asking for an 'appareil' without the adjective 'dentaire' could leave you confused, as it could mean a camera, a phone, or a coffee maker.
- Because appareil dentaire covers both braces and retainers, French speakers often specify appareil de contention to refer strictly to a retainer.
Examples in context
- L'avocat a exigé un acompte pour ses services de consultation.The lawyer demanded a retainer for their consulting services.
- Je dois porter mon appareil dentaire tous les soirs.I have to wear my retainer every night.
- Où est ton appareil dentaire ?Where is your retainer?
- Il a perdu son appareil dentaire.He lost his retainer.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing their dental appointments.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu as ton appareil dentaire ?Do you have your retainer?
- ManonOui, je l'ai mis dans mon sac.Yes, I put it in my bag.
- GabrielN'oublie pas de le nettoyer.Don't forget to clean it.
- ManonJe le ferai tout de suite.I will do it right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry appareil dentaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
