Newbie with Spacers!

[vad2bad]

Hello all, I'm 19 years old, and got my spacers in yesterday.

They didn't hurt at all yesterday, but when I woke up this morning, my teeth were aching, it was quite uncomfortable.

Obviously I should take painkillers, but is there anything else I can do to alleviate the pain?

What kind of food do you suggest I eat? I've tried cereal and Goldfish crackers, but even those hurt way too much.

And is it true that spacers are the worst part of getting braces?

Any other tips?



Also, I got my spacers on yesterday, but I'm getting my braces on this Thursday. Isn't that not enough time for the spacers to work?

I love that I can come to this community and have some support through my braces journey!

[Milk n Cereal]

It seems as though we are in the same situation! I got four spacers on my top molars yesterday and they didn't hurt until I tried eating a few hours later.

I guess I won't be of much help when it comes to suggestions, being in the same boat, but I'm here to support!

I haven't felt the need for painkillers yet, but I'm sure it'll help once mealtime comes around. So far I've managed to tackle pudding, cut up hotdogs [no buns], and watermelon.

If this is the worst part then I'm excited!

As for the length of time, I suppose your molars are already moderately spaced enough to not need spacers for a long amount of time. Mine will be one for a week. It's different for everyone so I'm sure your ortho knows exactly whats good for you.

[platinum]

Spacers are the worst part!
I had to take loads of painkillers first two days. I wasquite miserable, because painkillers make me nauseous.
I found that chewing gum helps. I just forced myself to chew and the pain was not so bad. I dont know, though, if one is allowed to chew a gum when having spacers. But at least my spacers did not fall away.

[lulu]

I am a newbie with spacers, too. I had 8 put in yesterday-5 blues and 3 metal ones. I also find it is hard to chew so I've been eating soft foods (soup, oatmeal, applesauce, etc.). At first I could chew with my front teeth, but now they are getting sore. I get my braces on Monday. When are you getting yours?

[lulu]

Sorry, vad2bad, I just reread and see that your braces go on tomorrow. Good luck with everything.

[AprilONeil]

I am a newbie with spacers too...got them this past Monday (July 23---my birthday haha) They began hurting more the next day and I have been taking Aleve since then which has helped. I have to wear them until Monday when I begin getting the bands put on and and get my bite plate.

I was told this was the worst part about braces too. I'm not sure or not...but it is uncomfortable. I am just glad to be getting on with this process though after so many years. (I'm 25).

[rhonda30]

For what it is worth I found the spacers the most painful part of my ongoing ortho journey. I almost dropped out of the treatment when I thought the entire braces process would be that uncomfortable. I was reassured that it would get better and they were right. You will find the bands and brackets more cumbersome but not quite as annoying.

Good luck and keep smiling.

[AprilONeil]

Spacers came out this morning (I was so happy). I got the bands put on (only slightly painful because one side is still tender from having a wisdom tooth cut out) and got my bite plate which I will have to wear for the next few months. Braces go on next Monday.

The pain with the spacers lessened slightly over the weekend...but I am glad for them to be gone.

[RakudaErin]

Hi! I got my spacers on the 17th, and couldn't chew anything. In fact, I'm still not up to chewing, since I have metal ones and they like to wedge up in my gums. Itchytingly.

Anyway, I've also heard that spacers are the worst, so here's to optimism.