For many people, obtaining a brilliant and prefect smile is not a matter of genetics or impeccable oral hygiene; it is the work of an orthodontist. In most cases, the first step to a picture perfect smile is getting dental braces. This process is fairly quick and completed in just a couple appointments. However, you would need to prepare yourself to experience pain and a slight dent on your wallet as well because braces cost aren’t really cheap. After an evaluation, the next appointment usually involves the placement of spacers for braces.
Steps involved in obtaining and fitting braces include:
- Initial consultation and assessment
- Installation of spacers for braces
- Mounting of braces and palatial spacers
- Adjustment of braces to achieve straightening
What are spacers for braces?
Spacers for braces are small rubber or metal discs. Most often, these are placed between molars to create room to affix the braces. By flossing the discs between your teeth, they will slowly push the teeth apart. In cases of extreme crowding, metal spacers for braces might be used. Pictures of spacers for braces are available in documentation at most dental or orthodontic offices, as well as on the Internet.
What To Expect During and After The Procedure
In general, the placement of these spacers for braces is relatively painless. You will feel slight pressure as they are placed. After placement, it will feel similar to having food stuck between your teeth. For the next 48 to 72 hours, you might experience soreness or throbbing as your teeth shift. Over the counter pain medication, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, can be used to reduce pain during this process. If pain is too much to tolerate, contact your orthodontist for possible solutions.
In most cases of getting braces, spacers for braces will have to remain in place for one to two weeks to achieve sufficient spacing to install the dental bands to which your braces will be mounted. This can vary from individual to individual. Consult with your orthodontist for specifics on your timeline.
Tips To Maximize Spacer Effectiveness
- Continue to brush your teeth as usual with a soft toothbrush. Keeping the area clean is important to promote overall oral health and reduce swelling.
- Avoid flossing in gaps containing spacers for braces. This can dislodge the bracers. If bracers are forcefully dislodged, they must be re-inserted by your orthodontist.
- Do not pick at the areas containing spacers for braces.
- Avoid sticky foods and snacks such as chewing gum, caramel, gummy bears and taffy. If these become attached or entwined in your spacers, they could result in premature spacer removal.
- Simply follow what the orthodontist tells you to do and not to do. It’s always wise to follow prescribed medication and instructions especially when it comes straight from the experts.
Having proper knowledge and clear expectations before having spacers for braces fitted can help to alleviate anxiety and stress related to the appointment. By following proper care and precaution, you can reduce the discomfort and increase the overall effectiveness of your spacers. This will result in a quicker and smoother process.