What happens if a spacer falls out

If you are not comfortable replacing your own spacers, we will be happy to do it for you. Please contact Hodges Orthodontics and we will schedule that appointment Commerce St. Tupelo , MS Next Previous. Orthodontic Spacers Or Separators 24 May, Orthodontic Spacers or Separators. What are spacers or separators? Will my spacers fall out? Taking care of your separators will make the next appointment much easier: Do not play with separators with fingers, toothpicks, etc.

Brush normally, but do not floss in the area where the separators are located. No gum or other sticky foods. Such items could dislodge the separator. It is rare to experience pain while the spacers are being placed.

Many patients complain that spacers feel strange, similar to the feeling of having food stuck between their teeth. Some patients experience sensitive teeth or teeth and gums that feel tender when pressure is applied during the bite motion. While this may be feel uncomfortable, it lets your orthodontist know that the separators are doing the job that they were designed to do.

In most instances, the tender and uncomfortable feeling will only last for a few days. Your orthodontist may recommend an over the counter non-aspirin pain medication such as acetaminophen.

While the spacers will need to stay in place for a few days to a week they often will fall out on their own. Never try to remove the spacers on your own and never try to pick at them either with a toothpick or with your fingers as doing so may cause them to fall out too soon. If the spacers do fall out prematurely, it may make your next appointment painful as there may not be adequate room for the bands between your molars to fit comfortably.

If the spacers have done their job of making space, they should come out fairly easily. Pain is different for everyone. But pain is a common complaint among people who wear braces and those who get spacers prior to having braces put in. The good news is that the pain tends to dissipate over time. Research suggests that it does get better pretty quickly. A study of 62 adolescents looked at the pain they felt with spacers.

The study reported that the first 2 days after getting spacers were the worst in terms of pain. However, you might not get to the point where you forget that you have spacers in your mouth. You may still have the sensation that something is caught between your back teeth.

If you do experience some pain, your orthodontist may advise you to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen Tylenol , to dull the ache. You can also try rinsing with a warm salt water mixture 1 tsp. Orthodontists typically request that people with braces steer clear of certain foods. These are typically hard or sticky foods, such as:. Look at it as practice for having braces. First, rinse your mouth out with water. Next, gently brush all surfaces of your teeth with your toothbrush, taking special care with those back teeth.

Rinse with water again. You might accidentally dislodge one. The most important things you can do while you have spacers is watch what you eat and be careful when caring for your teeth. Your spacers might fall out before you return for your next appointment. If this happens, notify your orthodontist right away. You may need to get another set installed, or your orthodontist might decide that you already have enough space between your teeth.

Spacers are just the first step on the road to straighter, more evenly aligned teeth. If you have any problems with your spacers, call your orthodontist.