I'm getting braces in February. I've read posts where other braces-wearers talk about getting/having spacers in and how much they hurt. My dentist didn't say anything about me having spacers put in. How do I know if I do or not?
2006-12-17 11:39:50 · 5 answers · asked by Heather <33 4 in Health ➔ Dental
Everyone is different, so ask your orthodontist/dentist. If they say they don't know, then you'll have to wait and see.
I had braces, spacers, retainers, expanders, etc ... they aren't fun.
2006-12-17 11:47:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have spacers in right now. I got them yesterday and they don't really hurt at all. I'm not really sure why people say they hurt. I am getting my braces on Dec. 27, so I will have my in for a week.
You usually only need spacers if your back teeth are to close together. Your orthodontist should tell you if you need them or not.
Hope I helped!!!
2006-12-21 11:07:15 · answer #2 · answered by cgpp14 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Spacers are needed if the orthodontist is putting bands (that go around your tooth like a ring) on your molars (the big teeth in the back). They are needed to make a space between your teeth so that the bands will slide on easier. They will make you sore for the first few days. Take Tylenol, Motrin, whatever, to lessen the soreness.
Some orthodontists prefer to use brackets on the molars, which they will bond to the facial surface of the tooth. In that case, spacers won't be needed.
You can call your orthodontist and ask which method they use.
2006-12-17 22:45:50 · answer #3 · answered by April 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spacers are needed a lot of the time, unless you have gaps in your back teeth. What they do is put a gap on both sides of your second last tooth (both left and right, top or bottom depending). This gap is needed because a band goes around that tooth. The braces are attached to this band, and it secures them on your teeth.
Spacers hurt A LOT. For me they hurt for about 4 days. Theres nothing to really worry about, you have until February. When the time comes, take a lot of asprin and eat soup, yogurt, and all those soft foods!
2006-12-17 19:50:14 · answer #4 · answered by happyface_0 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A short appointment (usually around 10 minutes) would indicate spacers. A long appointment (50 - 60 minutes) would indicate braces. A had brackets on my molars, so I didn't have spacers. Call your orthodontist's office and ask if they use spacers. Good luck.
2006-12-17 23:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by Bowllynn 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋