It may be wise to consider orthodontic spacers in the early stages of orthodontic treatment if you are considering orthodontic treatment. Most people, especially young adults, use spacers as part of their daily routine. Spacers have some unique features, so you’ll be able to tell if they will work for your teeth and how to care for them correctly during this phase of the treatment, so you’ll need to know what to expect.
Orthodontic spacers: what are they?
As noted previously, orthodontic spacers allow for space to be created between adjacent teeth by spreading them apart. An orthodontic band can be placed in this space, usually on the molars, which allows for the placement of the orthodontic bands. A partially impacted tooth may also be able to erupt in conjunction with them if they are in good condition. Without an adequate separation between the teeth, the orthodontic bands will be improperly seated, resulting in a less successful orthodontic treatment if the teeth are not separated enough. A spacer is usually worn for about a week or two before removing the implant.
Spacers used in braces of different types
There are a variety of materials that can be used as spacers. Spacers are categorized into several different types, such as:
- Rubber spacers. You will need to place these rubber bands between your molars to create extra space between your teeth to create a natural smile.
- Metal spacers. They may appear as small metal rings in the beginning.
Spacers are just one of the many components that make up braces. Because of this, they will be included in the price of the braces you will be getting. It is estimated that the cost for comprehensive treatment with braces ranges from approximately $5,000 to about $7,500, based on the survey results provided by the American Dental Association.
You can choose from a variety of payment options. Check with your dental insurer to see if your policy covers orthodontic treatment – and if so, what portion of the total price of orthodontic treatment you will be responsible for under your policy.
A flexible spending or health savings account may also be used to pay for your health care needs. Many orthodontists offer payment plans to help spread the cost of orthodontic treatment among patients.
Are braces and spacers necessary for everyone?
Spacers are not necessary for every individual before orthodontic treatment, although spacers are necessary for a large majority of situations.
During orthodontic treatment, the molars are usually banded with metal bands. Spacers are used for orthodontic purposes when there is not enough space between a person’s teeth to accommodate the metal bands, which is one of the reasons why they are placed. If a patient needs spacers to align these teeth, they are generally only required to be worn for 1-2 weeks, with the majority falling out on their own after the perfect amount of space has been created.
What is the application method for spacers?
In most cases, braces spacers can be placed in a few minutes. You can choose between two methods for installing rubber spacers.
A spacer can be stretched with an instrument and simply wiggled between the teeth as the dentist worked on it; much like flossing, the spacer could be stretched with an instrument. They will remove the instrument once the spacer has been placed between teeth.
Another option is to insert the spacer using dental floss. The spacer can be held in the middle by looping two pieces of floss through it. Once the orthodontist has flossed between your teeth on one side, they will clean the other. They will pull the floss sideways until it reaches the gap between the teeth after passing it through. As soon as both pieces of floss have been removed, the doctor will simply discard them.
Is orthodontic spacer placement painful?
There is no pain associated with orthodontic spacers. During the application process, you may feel some pressure or mild pinching, but this shouldn’t be so painful that it makes applying hard. Once they have been placed, you might feel something as you move your teeth apart, but this should be mild discomfort.
Many patients describe the feeling as a stuck piece of food in their mouth. For best treatment, contact Chapel Hill Dentistry