- What are spacers and why are they needed?
Spacers, or separators, are tiny blue elastic donuts that fit between the back molar teeth and prepare space for the fitting of the molar bands. Over a period of a week or two the spacer makes a tiny space so that the molar band can fit over the tooth without having to be wedged between the teeth and cause significant pain.
- How long will I need to wear my spacers?
Usually spacers are only worn for one to two weeks. By this time they will have created all the space needed.
- What will the spacers feel like?
Although the spacers do not hurt, they often feel like a piece of chicken or corn when it gets stuck between the teeth. Occasionally, the tiny tooth movement caused by the spacers will make the adjacent teeth a little sore to biting. If this happens, the use of over the counter pain medication like Tylenol or Advil is recommended.
- Are there any special care instructions with spacers?
There are three special care instructions with spacers. First, avoid chewing gum or sticky candy like caramels or gummy chews. Second, avoid flossing where the spacers are located as flossing will remove them, Lastly, count the spacers each night at bedtime to be sure they are all there. If a spacer does come out, then call the office to arrange an emergency visit to have the spacer replaced.
- What should I do if a spacer comes out? Can I replace it myself?
If a spacer does come out and you want to try to replace it yourself before you call the office, here's what to do. First, be sure you know where the spacer belongs. Second, suspend the spacer between two pieces of floss that go through the middle hole in the spacer and then fold back on themselves. Hold the spacer over the contact point between the two teeth and floss only the lower edge of the spacer down below the contact by using a slight sawing motion. When properly placed, the spacer will go around the contact point of the teeth with some of the spacer above and some below the contact. Now gently remove the floss so the spacer stays in place.
- What should I do if he spacer becomes lodged under the gum?
Sometimes a spacer will become dislodged from the contact point and will slide down under the gum, becoming lodged under the contact and into the gum. This can cause considerable pain. Often pain is the first sign this has happened. If this happens and you can see part of the blue spacer under the gum, try to use a common household toothpick (round works best) and pick the spacer out of the gum. At this point it is normal for the gum to bleed since it is usually irritated. If you can't work the spacer loose yourself, by all means call the office.