spacers

[annmarievulaj]

how do spacers work?

[mikeg]

they are rubber bands placed between the molars that allow for rapid movement in order to place molar bands on... This is usually the worse part of the treatment, because of how fast they make the room causing some discomfort

[EC13]

Yes, what Mike said... they make room for the bands.

Thankfully, only one of my molars needed a band.

But I did NOT like the spacers at all. Not only did it hurt when I would chew but it also felt like I was chewing on rubber bands (which you basically are, lol). Felt so good when my ortho took them out!

[kezzylb]

I had 4 put in on top yesterday to make some room for my quad helix. They went in fine with no discomfort and I didnt even find them annoying as the otho said I would.

However woke in the night and was in quite a bit of pain but took some painkillers and that helped alot. Still in mild pain this morning.

Is it better to eat soft foods and let my teeth adjust or just grin and bare it and try and eat normally? Will this help to ease the pain quicker??

[Sunny]

I've never had spacers, but I suspect that chewing will work as it does with other tooth/gum discomfort. Chew gently and hopefully soon your mouth will be feeling better.

Spacers cause the teeth to develop gaps between them quickly ... which seems to be the main reason for the discomfort. The best part is people don't have to have them in their mouths for long, so here's to you feeling loads better very soon!

[annmarievulaj]

EC13 -I also only needed one band.... and i got it yesterday and ever since then the side that the band is one the top and bottom teeth on that side meet ... but on the side that doesnt have a band... they dont meet... did u experience this also??? its really bothering me and im paranoid its messing up my bite

[braced cat]

I got a spacer last week. It didn't hurt at first (just weird feeling like food trapped between the molars), but I got migrains the next day. After that, no more discomfort. Oh, and my blue spacer turned green after I ate chicken tikka (with turmeric, spices, etc).

[Amolia]

They hurt!

[lauralea]

I remember when I had braces for the first time I had to get spaces 4 on top 4 on bottom. After the very first day I coudnt even bite on a peice of bread, my teeth were so senitive. Fortuantly im not getting molar bands this time, so no need for spacers.

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Spacers may also be known as elastic separators or "seps". There are several varieties and may also be made of metal. As described, they are placed between teeth prior to a visit that requires a band or appliance.

We tell our patients that they may experience some discomfort as the teeth are beginning to move. Many of them find that it feels awkward, like having a piece of food stuck between their teeth, and being unable to take it out. If they come out a few days before your next visit, it's likely that the space has been created between the teeth. If they come out much longer before that, or if you inadvertently dislodge them, it's a good idea to go back in to have them placed.