Orthodontic treatments, such as braces and spacers, align teeth and improve oral health. Understanding what each involves and the sensations they may cause can help prepare for the process.
What Spacers Do
Orthodontic spacers, also known as separators, are small elastic rings or metal springs placed between teeth. Their primary purpose is to create minute spaces between specific teeth, typically molars, to allow for comfortable placement of orthodontic bands. Spacers gently push teeth apart, preparing the mouth for subsequent orthodontic appliances.
The placement of spacers can initially feel like something is caught between the teeth, similar to food debris. This sensation arises from the pressure exerted as the spacers begin to move teeth slightly apart. Some individuals may experience mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area within the first few days. This discomfort is a normal response as the periodontal ligaments adjust to the new tension.
What Braces Do
Orthodontic braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands working together to align teeth and correct bite issues. Brackets are typically bonded to the front surface of teeth, while bands often encircle molars, serving as anchors. An archwire connects the brackets and bands, applying continuous, gentle pressure to gradually guide teeth into their desired positions. This system aims to correct various dental misalignments, from crowded teeth to gaps and improper bites.
After braces are initially placed, it is common to experience general soreness and pressure throughout the mouth. This sensation occurs as the teeth begin to respond to the constant forces applied by the braces. Lips, cheeks, and the tongue may also feel sensitive or irritated as they adapt to the new hardware in the mouth. This initial period of adjustment can last for several days, as the soft tissues become accustomed to the presence of the brackets and wires.
Comparing Discomfort
The discomfort experienced with spacers and braces differs in type, intensity, and duration. Spacers primarily cause a localized pressure or a feeling of something lodged between teeth, which can evolve into a dull ache. This sensation is often described as more intense in the initial days because spacers are actively creating space where none previously existed, directly pushing against tightly packed teeth. The discomfort from spacers typically peaks within the first two to three days and then gradually subsides, often becoming barely noticeable after about a week.
Braces, on the other hand, tend to cause a more widespread soreness or dull ache across multiple teeth, rather than a single localized point of intense pressure. This discomfort arises from the continuous, gentle forces moving the entire dental arch. Initial soreness after braces are placed can last for several days to about a week, with the most pronounced discomfort often occurring in the first 24 to 48 hours. While the initial discomfort from spacers may be sharper and more concentrated, the overall period of adjustment and recurring soreness after adjustments can make the experience with braces feel more prolonged.
Easing Discomfort
Managing discomfort associated with both spacers and braces often involves similar strategies focused on alleviating pressure and soothing irritated tissues. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can effectively reduce general soreness and aching. Taking these medications before anticipated discomfort, like brace adjustments, can help.
Eating a diet of soft foods is recommended during discomfort, as chewing hard or crunchy items can exacerbate soreness. Soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are less likely to dislodge spacers or irritate sensitive areas. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can also help numb the area and reduce inflammation.
For irritation from brackets and wires rubbing against the soft tissues of the mouth, orthodontic wax can be placed over the offending parts of the appliance to create a smoother surface. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times a day can help soothe sore gums.