SPACERS FOR BRACES: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT TO EXPECT
For people with crooked or misaligned teeth, orthodontic braces are a great solution for straightening them out. And though most of us are familiar with what braces are, many don’t know that braces function properly with the help of spacers for braces.
Understanding intricacies like spacers can help you obtain a transparent picture of the procedure involved with getting braces. And that can make the whole process a little less daunting.
The main reason spacers are needed is to allow some space between the teeth. This helps the orthodontic bands to be placed on the teeth or within the space to help align crooked teeth.
We will cover common questions that come up when patients ask about spacers for braces.
WHAT DO SPACERS DO FOR YOUR TEETH?
First off, there are two different kinds of spacers, metal and rubber. The rubber spacers are small elastic loops that slide between two back teeth. Metal spacers are small metal rings that are inserted between two back teeth.
DO SPACERS CAUSE ANY PAIN?
Now, spacers for braces can cause discomfort. This is because a small object is being placed in-between the small space that connects teeth. For people with relatively small or no space between their teeth, braces spacers can cause irritation in the nerves which may result in constant, but bearable pain.
The discomfort can subside after wearing spacers for a bit of time. The pain or discomfort also happens based on the sensitivity of the individual’s mouth.
CAN SPACERS FALL OUT?
As long as you are following the directions of your orthodontist, the spacers should stay in place. If a spacer does fall out, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist immediately. Do not under any circumstance try and place the spacer back in place, this will just cause added pain and should be replaced by a professional.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I EAT WITH SPACERS IN PLACE?
Discomfort could start to take place, if chewy or hard foods are being consumed. However, any discomfort can be minimized by drinking cold drinks, eating ice cream, and taking over-the-counter pain-relievers as prescribed.
PATIENTS SHOULD ONLY EAT THESE TYPES OF FOODS:
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies (blend in fruit and veggies for a healthy, soft meal)
- Protein shakes
- Soup
- Steamed veggies, chopped into small pieces
- Meat cut off the bone in small pieces
Spacers for braces are meant to help fix any issues that have been created by misaligned teeth. Patient’s should always consult with their orthodontist first, before coming to the conclusion that they need braces.
WHAT ARE INVISALIGN ATTACHMENTS?
Our latest article about Invisalign attachments covers the most common questions that are asked by patients. Check out that article here.
Also, if you need a ‘FAQs’ page, check out our page ‘Ask An Orthodontist.’
ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS
If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.
CONTACT DETAILS
- Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
- Phone: (718) 275-3200
- Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com
OFFICE HOURS:
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM