What are spacers used for?

my sister had spacers on last monday and the dentist told her that it will make a space between her teeth and when they put her braces they will make a ring around her molar .. this monday she got my braces and she took out the spacers because she thought she wouldnt need them any more. when she got to the orthodontics place she told the dentist that she took off the spacers and then dentist put her the braces but she didnt put the ring around her molar.. she just put the wires in the front of her teeth.. i just wanted to know what hte point of spacers were if they didn't put the ring around her tooth.. or if the dentists are going to do that later..

What are spacers used for?
spacers are to make a space in ur braces so the ring in the back can slide on easier, but you dont really need them they just make everything alot easier..and your sister must have the rings because if she didnt her braces wouldnt stay on..they wouldnt be braces. ask your orthodontist if you need more answers. trust me i have braces.
Reply:The following is taken from the article "What are Orthodontic Spacers" on our website, ArchWired.com:





Your orthodontist may have told you that you need to have spacers before your braces go on. What does this mean?





Some of your teeth may need brackets that are attached to metal bands that go all the way around the tooth.* Usually, the bands are used only on molars. If the space between your molars is very tight, it will be difficult for the orthodontist to put the bands on the teeth. Therefore, space must be opened up to fit the bands in. This is where spacers come in.





Spacers are little rubber nodules that fit between the teeth. In some cases, your orthodontist may use a metal spacer, which looks like a tiny metal hinge. The spacers stay between your teeth for several days and move the teeth apart slightly. You wear the spacers 24/7 until your orthodontist removes them. Do not floss teeth that have spacers between them (it will be impossible)!





Are spacers uncomfortable? Yes, they usually are. It feels like you have something stuck between your teeth -- and you do! In some cases it may be more than just uncomfortable; it may ache. If so, take pain reliever (such as ibuprofen) as needed.





Spacers usually stay between your teeth for several days; sometimes for as long as 10 days. The spacers are taken out before your braces are put on. The braces don't hurt like the spacers; in fact, when the spacers are removed, it feels so much better, even after the braces are put on!





Many people on Metal Mouth Forum have remarked that spacers were the worst part of the entire process. Perhaps that's not very encouraging, but remember, they're only in your mouth for a short period of time. You can deal with it. They'll be in, then they'll be out, and you'll be done with it. Hang in there, you're on your way to a better smile! And if those spacers really bug you, drop in to the Metal Mouth Message Board and spill your guts. We love to commiserate! :-)

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