Have you ever been to an orthodontist before getting your braces on?
Then you may have heard the words orthodontic separators or spacers for teeth. These little gadgets might appear to be nothing much, but they are very essential in making the excellent surroundings that will see you start your orthodontic treatment.
Keep reading as we will take you through all you need to know about separators in teeth. Understand what they are, why they are used, the various types of separators and the questions most patients have regarding them.
What Are Teeth Separators?
Orthodontic spacers or teeth separators are tiny rubber or metallic objects that are put between your back teeth.
Their purpose? To very carefully separate your teeth and make only enough room for the orthodontist to place the metal bands or other devices, such as braces or molar expanders.
Consider separators as a preparation for the actual construction project, which is your orthodontic treatment. These spacers might be small in size, but they perform a great work by creating space where none exists, and this is more prevalent among patients who have tightly aligned teeth.
They are normally applied on a temporary basis, normally for around one week, but their impact is already noticeable after a few hours of application.
Uses of Separators in Teeth
And what is it that makes separators in teeth so important, then?
1. Making Room to Bands
In the case of application of braces, metal bands must be encircled around molars in order to secure the braces in place. In case your teeth are closely spaced, the orthodontist will not be in a position to place the bands comfortably. Teeth separators are where it comes in.
The orthodontist inserts these spacers between the molars to make sure that the bands have enough space to fit comfortably without causing pain and complications.
2. Preparation for Expanders
There are cases when orthodontic treatments do not only need braces. Your treatment plan may include molar expanders, Herbst appliances or others. Tooth spacers ensure that such dental appliances get the room they require to perform their duties.
3. Evaluation of Tooth Movement
The dentists also might place spacers between the teeth to monitor the rate at which your teeth react to the slight pressure, as well as plan the succeeding adjustments.
What Are Teeth Spacers & Why You Need Them
Learn about dental teeth spacers and its role in preparing teeth for braces.
- Understand the purpose of separators in orthodontic treatment
- Know how they’re placed and how long they stay in
- Get expert tips for caring for your teeth during this stage
Types of Teeth Spacers
Teeth separators are of two main types, and each type has its purpose depending on the dental structure of the patient and the requirements of the treatment process.
1. Rubber Separators
The most common type is the rubber separators. They are little donut-shaped objects of elastic material, and are pushed into position between the molars. When they shrink, they gradually spread their teeth. These are normally left to stay anywhere between a few days and a week.
2. Metal Separators
In case of teeth that are very tight, rubber separators might not be sufficient. In these instances, metal separators are applied. These are little spring-like mechanisms, which have a greater force to make space. Those are usually more visible and somewhat harder than rubber ones.
Both are temporary and are normally taken out by the orthodontist when the space that is needed is ready.
How to Deal With Teeth Separators
These are some of the practical suggestions that can allow you to deal with your teeth separators in a more comfortable manner:
- During the first few days, use soft foods only.
- Rinse with warm salty water in case your gums are sore.
- Keep in contact with your orthodontist when a separator comes out. Do not attempt to push it back in.
- Do not keep touching them with your tongue or fingers because this can loosen them.
Final Thoughts
Although they are small, teeth separators are very instrumental in creating a path towards effective orthodontic therapy. Spacers between teeth, no matter whether you get braces, expanders or any other similar appliances, are there to make sure that everything fits and works as it is supposed to.
A certain amount of discomfort is absolutely normal; however, it is better to know what to expect to make the process much easier.
So, are you or your child preparing to get braces and have some concerns about these separators between the teeth? Do not hesitate to ask orthodontists at SmileOn, we will be your guide to going through this process with assurance.
FAQs
Are spacers for teeth painful?
It is, most likely, the most widespread anxiety, and it is a justified one. When you have just gotten spacers between your teeth, you will experience discomfort or pressure, particularly when chewing. It is absolutely normal and is an indication that the spacers are working. The pain normally subsides after a few days. The soreness can be relieved by pain relief and a soft food diet.
How long do dental spacers last?
The dental spacers are usually left in between 5 and 7 days (and sometimes longer), depending on the rate of your teeth movement and the amount of space that is required. They will, on rare occasions, have to remain in longer, particularly when your teeth are very tight.
Your orthodontist will arrange a follow-up visit to have the spacers removed and to carry on with the other processes in your treatment plan.
Can you eat with separators?
Eating with separators in teeth is possible, yes; however, you will want to be careful. Sticky or chewy candies or gum, caramel, or toffee should also be avoided since they can loosen the spacers. Crunchy foods like nuts or hard candy should also be avoided.
To make the process less painful, it is recommended to consume only soft food such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies and pasta.
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