Braces do wonders for all types of teeth, no matter how severe the dental issues. However, only some are ready for orthodontic treatment on their first or second visit. Sometimes, we have to take steps to prepare teeth for braces using a variety of orthodontic appliances. 

Braces treatment at Petrous Orthodontics doesn’t always start right away. Some patients need space between their molars so we can place the bands that will anchor their traditional braces. That is where orthodontic separators — also called orthodontic spacers — come in. 

What Are Orthodontic Separators? 

What are spacers for braces? What are orthodontic spacers for? These spacers for braces create space between your teeth, especially the back molars. This allows bands to fit around them and helps you wear braces later. 

We encourage you to brush and floss your teeth as usual. However, do not use dental floss or a water flosser between the teeth with spacers. 

Braces are composed of archwires that sit in or against brackets, and gentle pressure is applied to move your teeth. These archwires are anchored to metal bands that wrap around the back molars. The ends of the archwires slip into small tubes on the side of the metal bands.

Getting these metal bands on your molars is critical to getting braces on your teeth. For the bands to fit, we need space between your back molars. If we don’t have enough space, we use orthodontic separators to give us the necessary space.

How Are Orthodontic Spacers Placed?

How do we place these dental separators? It’s a relatively easy process. Orthodontic spacers are small and look like thick orthodontic elastic bands. We stretch these bands thin to slide them between your molars.

We use dental floss or a small tool to slide the spacers between your teeth. We may have to do some wiggling to get them between your teeth, and you will likely feel some pressure as we do. 

Once the spacer is in place, we will remove the tool or dental floss. You’re then ready to go! 

The spacers may initially feel odd, and your back teeth may even be sore for a day or two. This is perfectly normal. You may also feel like you have something stuck between your teeth — because you do. Don’t try to adjust or move the spacers in any way, or you could dislodge them. 

If you are sore, you can use an over-the-counter painkiller to treat the soreness. We also recommend you stick with soft foods for the first few days. 

How Are Orthodontic Spacers Placed?

How do we place these dental separators? It’s a relatively easy process. Orthodontic spacers are small and look like thick orthodontic elastic bands. We stretch these bands thin to slide them between your molars.

We use dental floss or a small tool to slide the spacers between your teeth. We may have to do some wiggling to get them between your teeth, and you will likely feel some pressure as we do. 

Once the spacer is in place, we will remove the tool or dental floss. You’re then ready to go! 

The spacers may feel odd at first, and your back teeth may even be sore for a day or two. This is perfectly normal. You may also feel like you have something stuck between your teeth — because you do. Don’t try to adjust or move the spacers in any way, or you could dislodge them. 

If you are sore, you can use an over-the-counter painkiller to treat the soreness. We also recommend you stick with soft foods for the first few days. 

How Long Will I Have My Orthodontic Separators?

How long will you wear your orthodontic separators? Most patients wear spacers for about a week — two at the most. We only need a tiny bit of space to slide the metal bands for braces into place. 

Don’t try to remove the spacers yourself. We will take care of it. Once your teeth move, you may have enough space for the dental separators to fall out independently. 

Let us know if your spacer comes out. We will bring you in to see whether you need a spacer for a little longer or are ready for braces. 

Caring for Orthodontic Separators

The spacers for braces must stay between your teeth until we’re ready to place your braces bands. Here are some tips for caring for braces. 

• Don’t eat sticky foods or chewy foods, such as caramels, gum, toffee, and gummy candy, because they could pull out your spacers.
• We encourage you to brush and floss your teeth as usual. However, do not use dental floss or a water flosser between the teeth with spacers. We will put metal bands around your back molars. We use a safe bonding agent to keep the bands in place during your treatment. 
• Be sure to brush your teeth, including your molars, but be careful when brushing around the spacers. Once the spacers are removed, we will clean between your teeth. 
• Don’t pick between your teeth with your fingernail, a toothpick, or any other object. Try not to push against the spacer or your molars with your tongue.
• To reduce your chances of tooth decay, avoid high-sugar and high-starch foods while wearing spacers. Also, consider rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash after eating to remove as much bacteria as possible.  

What Happens After Spacers for Braces?

What happens after the week or two of wearing spacers for braces? We’ll remove the spacers and make sure there is enough space for your braces bands. Then, it’s time for braces!

We will put metal bands around your back molars, using a safe bonding agent to keep the bands in place during your treatment. We’ll then put brackets on your teeth to hold the archwire and help move your teeth into place. Finally, we’ll thread the archwire through the bands and brackets. 

You’ll finally have your braces, and your journey toward the smile of your dreams will be in full swing!

Braces Treatment in Royal Oak, MI

Patients rarely get braces during their first visit to Petrous Orthodontics. We take that time to get to know you and what you want from your new smile. We also introduce ourselves to you and show you around the office. We want you to feel like you are a part of our family. 

We also use that time to thoroughly examine your teeth and jaws and create a customized treatment plan to give you the desired smile. That plan could include preliminary treatment such as orthodontic spacers. We’ll likely start treatment with spacers, other appliances, or your braces during your next visit. 

Are you ready for braces in Royal Oak, MI? Schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics. Our team focuses on your oral health and comfort. It’s time to treat yourself to a beautiful, healthy smile!