Dental spacers

Dental spacers are appliances that reserve space in your mouth until a permanent tooth or prosthetic fills it. This device, which comes in fixed and removable options, prevents surrounding teeth from shifting and entering the gap. Dental spacers can be placed on the upper or lower jaw and are especially helpful for back teeth where there is limited space.

Long-term spacers for teeth are made from acrylic or metal materials while temporary options are usually elastic bands.

There are cases when losing a baby tooth or permanent molar does not require installing a dental spacer. However, some instances when you could benefit from this appliance include:

• Losing baby teeth early: Dental spacers can act as a guide for permanent teeth when your child’s baby teeth fall out prematurely.
• Experiencing injury or decay: If you knock teeth out because of a fall or need to remove them due to cavities, dental spacers help prevent crowding.
• Waiting for prosthetics: Losing teeth as an adult may require a prosthetic. Until then, dental spacers ensure your other teeth don’t fill the empty space.

You can rest assured that the dental spacer installation process is painless. While there may be minimal discomfort as your teeth shift to make more space, non-prescription pain medication can help manage the effects.

Before installing a dental spacer, your orthodontist will ensure there’s enough room for it in your mouth. In some cases, especially if there is crowding, they may insert an elastic spacer first to make room for a long-term device. Then, your orthodontist will install a removable dental spacer or cement a permanent appliance in the area.