Wearing / Caring For Your Braces

Separators / Spacers

Normally your teeth will fit snugly, one against the other. We often find we have to move those teeth, particularly the back teeth (molars) apart, to make room for your braces. To make it easier for you, before placing your fixed appliances, we may have to make space between your back teeth so the bands are more easily placed around those teeth.

Small springs and little plastic modules, shaped like a small doughnut, are two types of separators we use. Once in place they gently move certain teeth slightly apart to allow us to accurately place bands at your next appointment.

Yes, we know this will cause you some temporary soreness but that goes away in a few days. Don't despair!

Rinsing with warm salt water can help relieve this soreness. Possibly the best relief comes from your normal chewing with these teeth. Chewing will speed your teeth to feeling normal again.

After a few days your teeth will feel comfortable again as they get accustomed to being slightly apart. That wee space means your bands can be fitted easily and in the place that best aids your future correction.

If you lose a separator, call us and come in so we can replace it. We need to hold that space we have created until your next appointment in order to place your bands in the most comfortable manner for you.

It's up to you! Please be sure that you:

• Watch your eating habits
• Inform us if you lose a separator so we can replace it quickly
• Floss daily between all teeth except those where separators are placed.
• Keep your appointments so progress is steady.