
What Are
Orthodontic Spacers & How Do They Work?
Orthodontic spacers, also known as separators, are used at the very beginning of braces treatment. They are worn temporarily to create a small amount of space in the back molars, where metal bands will be placed to connect the archwire.
If your orthodontist uses spacers for your braces treatment, it will generally be temporary – you will wear spacers for 1-2 weeks before the bands are installed on your back teeth. They gently create a small amount of space between the teeth, where your orthodontist will fit metal bands that anchor the archwire of the braces appliance. These metal bands go on your back molars, so this is where the orthodontic spacers will be placed.
There are two kinds of orthodontic separators:
Rubber spacers
These are very small elastic loops that slide between two back teeth. They are usually blue in color.
Metal spacers
These are small metal rings that are inserted between two back teeth.
Which one your orthodontist uses depends on your specific case and the treatment style of that provider. For most braces cases, rubber spacers will be used.
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