Spacers: Preparing Your Teeth for Braces

When you conjure the image of braces, you most likely picture a mouth full of metal. Bands fit around the molars to anchor the structure of braces. Brackets connect to bands and each other by archwires and rubber ligatures and sometimes by orthodontic rubber bands. But before your orthodontist installs any of this hardware, they must insert spacers, or orthodontic separators, to create space between your teeth.

What are braces spacers? Spacers are tiny rubber bands inserted between your molars. Before attaching orthodontic bands to the molars, your orthodontist needs to create space between the teeth. Your orthodontist will place them one to two weeks before fitting your braces so that they can create space between molars and remove them before putting on your braces.

Fitting spacers is a simple procedure, but some patients feel a bit of discomfort. The orthodontist stretches the elastic or metal spacer and firmly presses it between the teeth. Once the spacers are correctly inserted, they'll stay in for one to two weeks before you get your braces. Spacers may make your teeth feel sore or tight for the first few days. Luckily, that feeling is normal and should subside, and you can manage the soreness with over-the-counter pain relievers.

One of the drawbacks of wearing spacers and braces is that certain foods are off-limits. Some of the main culprits are sticky foods, such as gum, caramel, and taffy, which can become stuck on and around the braces. Hard foods like corn on the cob, raw apples, and nuts can break wires and loosen brackets. Finally, foods high in sugar and starch can cause plaque to collect around the brackets, so be extra careful to brush thoroughly to avoid decay and staining.

Proper brushing is critical once you have braces and spacers since food particles can lodge themselves in various new nooks and crannies. Brush your teeth back and forth as opposed to up and down, as an up and down motion can cause the spacers to come out. Also, brush carefully with fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush, and clean between your teeth and braces with an interdental cleaning device like floss, water flossers, or a special cleaning tool from your orthodontist. The Mayo Clinic also recommends brushing after every meal, if you can. 

From the start of spacers to the day the brackets come off, remember to regularly see your orthodontist and dental professional and maintain excellent oral care at home. If your spacers fall out, reach out to your orthodontist if this happens to see if you need to get them replaced. Sometimes, it’s an indication that your teeth now have enough space between them for braces. 

It’s a fact: getting braces is a long process—but it’s all in favor of helping you get a sparkling smile you’ll feel confident showing off. Spacers are just a standard part of this process, and with proper care and patience, they’ll be a helpful tool in creating a straight and confident smile for the rest of your life.