Orthodontic separators (commonly known as spacers) are rubber bands or metal appliances used in orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics, orthodontia, or orthodonture is the first specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions , which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both...

. Spacers are placed between the molars at the second orthodontic appointment, before a palatal expander or braces are applied.Spacers are circular rubber bands about a centimeter in diameter placed between top and bottom molars; there may be 1-12 spacers applied. The spacers stay between the teeth for one to two weeks and move the teeth apart slowly until they are far apart enough so that dentists can fit a tooth brace in between them or fit an expander with metal rings.

Purpose

Spacers are usually used to put spaces in between teeth before braces are established. It can be agitating or painful, but patients are often warned not to pick at them or they will fall out. They are usually rubber, but sometimes they can be metal. They can be used when a patient's teeth are too close together. Although they are sometimes very painful, they are usually only in place for one to two weeks. Spacers can also cause toothache and gum pain because of the pressure against the patient's teeth. The gaps that the spacers create are necessary to apply certain appliances or braces. There are two common types of expanders used after the spaces have been made. One, very primitive, model is a metal bar that has a key used to tighten. Secondly, and more contemporary, there is an expander that is two 'L' shaped metal rods, attached at the molars. Brackets fit against the edges. It is secured with a spring in the middle that applies pressure.

Pain

There are various reactions patients experience to having spacers placed between their teeth. If the patient has a relatively small amount of space between their molars (or none at all), then the spacer may irritate the nerves in the gum of the mouth, causing pain. In some cases the spacer digs into the gums, causing bleeding and swelling, in which case orthodontists often hand out special anesthetics which numb the pain. An orthodontist may advise the patient to drink cold drinks or to eat ice cream, producing a similar, although less efficient and short-lasting effect. Spacers are usually painful, although pain relievers can alleviate the pain if needed. Depending on the placement of the patient's teeth, spacers may not hurt when first applied, then start to hurt after some time, or they may immediately start to hurt. Depending on the type, spacers may cause pain while chewing, making certain foods (usually those that are tough or crispy) difficult to eat. Some people may also experience a sensation similar to having loose milk teeth. Brushing will not cause spacers to be displaced and regular, if not more brushing while spacers are in place is encouraged.

Application

The application process of spacers usually involves stringing floss through the rubber band and placing the spacer between the teeth. There is some pressure throughout the process and some soreness after, but overall, the spacer application process is quite painless, although the patient may immediately start to feel pain from the pressure exerted on the teeth. Sometimes special orthodontic tools are used to stretch open the rubber bands, depending on how crowded the teeth are. If the jaw is especially crowded, the spacers may cause intense pain due to the teeth moving closer together. This pain begins a while after placement and usually lasts for several days.

Removal

Spacers are worn until the orthodontist removes them or they are removed accidentally. Often the patient may chew gum or other sticky foods which stick to the spacer and pull it out. Sometimes, a dentist may use a spacer that is similar to a metal spacer (see below), but is removable and in some cases it may have a key or string used to adjust the tightness. These types of spacers are very similar to a retainer

Retainer (orthodontic device)

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices, made usually of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth. They are most often used before or after dental braces to hold teeth in position while assisting the adjustment of the surrounding gums...

because of their ability to be removed. They are taken out the minute before braces are put on.

Metal Spacers

Metal spacers are small metal bands placed around the tooth. These are most commonly used while braces are already on another set of teeth. These are often worn longer than rubber bands, and tend to be more painful. These are not used as often as the rubber bands.