Orthodontic treatment for aligning teeth often involves preliminary steps before the braces themselves are attached. These initial procedures prepare the mouth for the hardware that will guide the teeth into their correct positions. Among these preparatory accessories is the orthodontic spacer, a small device used to create necessary room in the back of the mouth. Spacers represent a temporary but important phase, setting the foundation for the main tooth-straightening process.
Defining Orthodontic Spacers and Their Purpose
Orthodontic spacers, also known as separators, are small ring-shaped materials placed between specific teeth, most often the back molars. These devices are typically made from elastic rubber, resembling tiny rubber bands, though sometimes small metal springs are used instead. The spacer’s function is to apply gentle, constant pressure against the adjacent teeth.
This sustained pressure slowly pushes the molars slightly apart over a short period. The objective is to create a minimal gap, just wide enough for the orthodontist to later fit a metal molar band. These metal bands wrap fully around the back teeth and serve as anchors for the main archwire system of the full braces appliance. Without this pre-created space, seating the bands securely and comfortably would be impossible.
The Process: Placement and Removal
The placement of orthodontic spacers is a quick, in-office procedure performed by the orthodontist or a trained assistant. For the common elastic spacers, a specialized tool or dental floss is used to stretch the rubber ring. The stretched spacer is then carefully slipped down between the two contact points of the teeth until it rests below the chewing surface.
Patients typically wear these spacers for one to two weeks. This duration is sufficient for the elastic material to achieve the required separation between the molars. When the patient returns for the next appointment, the spacers are removed with a small, specialized instrument. The removal is immediately followed by the cementing of the permanent metal molar bands, which prepares the mouth for the attachment of the brackets and wires.
Adjusting to Spacers: Discomfort and Care
The initial sensation of wearing spacers is described as a feeling of pressure, similar to having a piece of food firmly wedged between the teeth. As the teeth begin to shift, this pressure often develops into a dull ache or soreness, which can be most noticeable when chewing. Most patients report that the peak of this discomfort occurs within the first 24 to 48 hours after placement.
Managing Discomfort
The soreness usually begins to subside after two or three days as the teeth adjust to the minimal movement. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be taken to manage the initial discomfort. Consuming cold beverages or soft foods can also provide a temporary soothing effect on the irritated area.
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining the spacers requires specific attention to diet and oral hygiene to prevent them from becoming dislodged. Patients must strictly avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, including gum, caramel, taffy, nuts, and popcorn. These items can easily pull the rubber band out from between the teeth, halting the necessary tooth movement. Brushing should continue gently around the spacers, but flossing in the areas where the spacers are placed must be avoided entirely.