Treatments & Appliances
5 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
If you're about to start braces, you might get spacers first, and they're usually the part people ask the most nervous questions about. The good news: spacers are a small, temporary step, and the mild pressure you feel means they're doing their job. Here's exactly what they are, why we use them, and how to stay comfortable for the few days they're in.
What are spacers?
Spacers are small elastic rings, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, that we slip between two touching back teeth. Sometimes they're metal instead of rubber, but rubber is most common. They sit snugly in the tight contact point between molars and stay put for a week or two, gently pushing the teeth a hair apart to make room.
Why we use them before braces
Molars usually sit tightly against each other, with no gap at all. When a treatment plan calls for a metal band, a ring that wraps completely around a molar, we need a sliver of space for that band to slide into place. Spacers create it. You'll typically get them when your plan involves molar bands or an appliance like a palate expander. Not every patient needs them; it depends on your setup.
How spacers feel
Honestly? A bit annoying, but very manageable. Most people describe a feeling like something is stuck between their teeth, along with pressure or tenderness when biting, strongest in the first day or two. That's the spacer working. Over-the-counter pain relief, soft foods, and a warm salt-water rinse handle it easily, the same playbook as any braces soreness, which we cover in do braces hurt. The discomfort eases well before they come out.
Do's and don'ts with spacers
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Eat soft foods for a day or two | Chew sticky or gummy foods (they pull spacers out) |
| Brush gently as usual | Floss the teeth that have spacers |
| Leave them alone to do their job | Pick or poke at them with your tongue or fingers |
| Call us if one falls out early | Panic if one comes loose near your appointment |
Starting braces soon?
We'll explain every step, spacers included, at your free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
