The small, blue objects placed between back teeth before orthodontic treatment are formally known as orthodontic separators or spacers. These tiny devices are a preliminary step in preparing the mouth for the full placement of braces. They are a necessary part of the process, particularly when metal bands are required to anchor the main archwire.
Orthodontic Spacers: Identification and Function
The blue objects are typically small, elastic rings, often resembling tiny donuts, made from a flexible, medical-grade rubber material. The blue coloring is common because it provides high contrast against the natural color of teeth, making them easier for the orthodontist to see and place. Elastic separators are the most frequently used type, though metal spring separators are sometimes employed for exceptionally tight teeth.
The sole mechanical purpose of the separators is to create a minute amount of space between the back molars. Teeth in the back of the mouth often sit tightly against one another, which prevents the placement of metal orthodontic bands. These bands are rings that must encircle the molar and serve as secure anchors for the archwire system that will ultimately straighten the teeth.
The elastic material works by applying continuous, gentle force to the adjacent teeth. This pressure gradually stretches the periodontal ligament, causing the molars to move apart by a small margin, often just a millimeter or two. This separation is required to allow the orthodontist to comfortably and accurately slip the rigid metal band over the tooth during the next appointment.
The Patient Experience: Placement and Duration
The process of placing the separators is quick and does not require any anesthesia. The orthodontist uses a specialized instrument or dental floss to stretch the small elastic ring and thread it into the tight space between the molars. Patients may immediately feel a sensation of pressure or a feeling that food is stuck between their teeth, which signals that the separator is actively working.
Separators are intended to be a temporary measure and are typically worn for one to two weeks. This duration is sufficient for the mild separating force to achieve the necessary clearance between the teeth. The goal is to create just enough space so that fitting the metal bands is straightforward and comfortable.
If the separator successfully creates the space, it may fall out on its own before the follow-up appointment. This indicates the device has completed its job, though the orthodontist should be contacted to confirm if a replacement is necessary. At the next appointment, the orthodontist removes the separators—a quick and painless process—just before fitting the permanent molar bands.
Practical Care and Comfort Management
It is common to experience mild discomfort or soreness, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours after placement, as the teeth begin to shift. This sensation is often described as a dull ache or pressure, similar to a minor toothache. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are recommended to manage initial soreness.
Dietary modifications are necessary to ensure the separators remain in place until the next appointment. Patients must strictly avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, including gum, caramels, taffy, and hard candies, which could easily pull the elastic rings out. Sticking to a diet of soft foods, like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or soft pasta, is advisable, especially when the teeth are most sensitive.
Maintaining oral hygiene is important, but flossing in the area where the separator is placed must be avoided completely. Flossing can easily dislodge the separator, forcing the patient to return for a replacement and potentially delaying the treatment timeline. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush is still encouraged, and a warm salt water rinse can help soothe irritated gum tissue.