How to Say "Retainer" in Spanish

retenedor

masculine

In Spanish, the English word 'retainer' can be translated as retenedor.

The term retenedor is used in a dental context to refer to the device used to keep teeth in place after orthodontic treatment.

Meaning: dentistry: device (noun)

Is it said differently in some regions?

In certain Latin American countries, anticipo may be a common term for 'retainer'.

The plural form of retenedor is retenedores.

In legal or professional contexts, the English 'retainer' (a fee) is translated as provisión de fondos or anticipo, which shares no linguistic root with the dental retenedor.
In some technical mechanical contexts, retenedor refers to a seal or a component that prevents fluids from escaping, showing its function is 'to hold' rather than just 'to keep'.
While retenedor is the technical term, many Spanish speakers colloquially refer to a retainer as aparatos' (devices), the same word used for the braces themselves.

Para asegurar mis servicios, solicito un anticipo que luego se descontará de la factura.
To secure my services, I request a retainer that will later be deducted from the invoice.
Tengo que usar el retenedor todas las noches.
I have to wear the retainer every night.

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