Your New Spacers

Wearing Your New Spacers
One of the first steps in getting your braces is placing small latex elastics, or spacers, between the back teeth. These spacers create room between the back teeth so that the special braces placed on them can be fitted. These “bands” fit completely around the tooth and, therefore, require space.

Will My Spacers Hurt?
Spacers produce tension between the teeth by moving them apart slightly to create small spaces. The tension they produce may cause the teeth to become sore several hours after they are placed. This soreness is normal and should not cause alarm. It usually passes within a day or two. To help relieve any soreness, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take Tylenol or Advil, according to the directions on the bottle.

What If a Spacer Falls Out?
After spacers have created small spaces between the teeth, they often become loose and may fall out. If a spacer falls out and is swallowed, there is no reason for concern. The spacer will pass through the digestive system without causing any problems. Please call if a spacer is missing.

Check your spacers every day to make sure you haven’t lost any. If a spacer falls out 1-2 days before your bonding appointment, it usually means that there is enough space, and a new spacer will not need to be placed.

It is also important to brush your teeth normally. Do not avoid the area near the spacers. However, DO NOT FLOSS between the teeth with spacers.

Do I Have to See My Family Dentist, Too?
Continue to visit your family dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and examination during your orthodontic treatment. Good oral hygiene in not only important for your health, but also helps your orthodontic treatment.

If any problems are detected between these visits, we will notify you and your family dentist so they may be taken care of as quickly as possible.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your spacers, please call Dr. Dickerson’s office at 480-963-2535 (Chandler office), 480-558-4312 (Gilbert office), 623-376-6346 (Arrowhead office) or by e-mail at info@dickersonortho.com.