Orthodontic spacers, sometimes called separators, are tiny elastic or metal rings placed between the back molars to create a small gap. This preparatory step ensures there is enough room to fit the metal bands that will anchor the archwire of your braces. Spacers apply gentle, continuous pressure to push the teeth apart and are typically worn for one to two weeks. Losing a spacer is common, and knowing how to handle it immediately helps keep treatment on schedule.
Immediate Assessment: When to Reinsert and When to Call the Orthodontist
Inspect the area and consider the timing of the loss to determine the next course of action. If the spacer fell out only one or two days before your scheduled banding appointment, it is possible the separator successfully created the needed space. In this scenario, the spacer may have simply done its job, and you should call your orthodontist to confirm if you can wait for your appointment without intervention.
If the spacer was lost more than three days before your appointment, or if you notice the teeth immediately feel tightly pressed together again, the space may begin to close. Contact your orthodontic office right away for guidance, as the gap can narrow quickly, potentially delaying band placement. Any instance where the spacer was accidentally swallowed or, in rare cases, inhaled, requires an immediate call to your dental professional or a visit to an urgent care center for assessment.
Step-by-Step Guide for Temporary Home Reinsertion
If your orthodontist advises temporary home reinsertion, you will need two lengths of un-waxed dental floss, approximately 12 to 18 inches long. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands and rinsing the lost elastic spacer under clean water to remove any debris. Next, thread both pieces of floss through the center of the spacer, creating a loop on one side.
Hold all four ends of the floss, two in each hand, and pull them apart gently to stretch the elastic ring into an oval shape. This stretching reduces the spacer’s diameter momentarily so it can fit past the tight contact point between the molars. Position the stretched spacer over the contact area where it belongs, using a mirror for better visibility.
Slowly and carefully use a gentle, back-and-forth “sawing” motion to work the stretched spacer down between the teeth. The goal is to slide the elastic below the contact point until the bottom half of the ring pops through the narrow space. Once the spacer is situated, it should be visible in the space, resting slightly on the gum line.
Release the tension on the floss and slowly slide one piece out from the loop, being careful not to dislodge the newly placed spacer. Then, gently remove the second piece of floss. The spacer should now be correctly seated. Remember that this reinsertion is temporary, and you must still notify your orthodontist that the spacer was lost and replaced.
Urgent Next Steps If Reinsertion Fails
If you attempt the temporary reinsertion and the spacer either snaps, cannot be maneuvered below the contact point, or causes significant, sharp pain, stop the attempt immediately. Forcing the spacer can damage the gums or cause undue discomfort. Contact your orthodontist’s office right away to schedule an emergency appointment for a professional replacement.
If the space begins to close before the next visit, band placement may be impossible, setting back your treatment timeline. While waiting for your appointment, you can manage any lingering soreness or pressure by maintaining a soft diet and using an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the dosage instructions. Do not chew on the side where the spacer is missing, and avoid sticky or hard foods that could further compromise the area.