Spacers day...Has anyone had metal wire spacers?

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Jesslzz 01
Posts: 84
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:58 pm
Location: Argentina

Spacers day...Has anyone had metal wire spacers?

#1 Post by Jesslzz 01 »

Hi everybody!

Today my orthodoncist explained to me everything about the results of the studies (x-rays, mold, etc) and then he put the spacers on.

I had the idea that these things were made of rubber or plastic (I read that in this forum), but he put a metal wire instead! I felt that something was wrong, but maybe is the way he is used to do it...or what I needed depending on my case, I don't know.
It was kind of painful, and my gums bleeded a lot. The sensation now is not that bad, except for the small wires that come out, and the feeling that my teeth move a little. I think I will get used to it, but eating is soooo uncomfortable!!! I think soft food diet starts today!!!!

I would like to know if anyone had experienced something like this...in any case, food suggestions are welcome!

Ah, my orthodoncist gave me my first amount of wax and told me how to use it...I guess after this it will be easy for me to get used to the brackets. :D

Thanks!!!
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Huon
Posts: 143
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2004 3:01 pm
Location: Tasmania

#2 Post by Huon »

I had wire spacers as a child, many years ago and thought that they had long since been superseded. I had wires passed between the teeth at gum level and the ends were twisted tight in front of the teeth. This was very painful, as the teeth were moved the whole distance that they had to go, in one movement. Are we talking of the same thing? I find it hard to think of a reason to use the old, primitive method.
My present ortho used elastic spacers which I really didn't feel. Perhaps the teeth didn't have to move very far.
Huon
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Dadio
Posts: 74
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:40 pm
Location: Atlanta, GA

#3 Post by Dadio »

Oh, yes, I had a metal spacer where the plastic/rubber one wouldn't fit. Even though they trimmed the end where it was twisted together, it still bothered me. I used more wax with that than I have with braces. About 3 or 4 days later I was back in the office to take my child in for her spacers and get one of mine that came out replaced. At that time, they were able to replace the metal one with a plastic one. Much better and I was amazed how quickly my teeth had moved to make enough space!
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gracie381
Posts: 139
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:55 pm

#4 Post by gracie381 »

I had the metal spacers also. It was terrible. I couldn't bite all the way down. I had to eat soft foods the whole week I had mine on. And oh what a relief when they removed them and put my molar bands on. It felt so good to get them out. After that I could finally eat again. Now with my braces I'm back to eating most everything. After you get through this part of your treatment, it definitely gets better. Of course your teeth will still be sore after your adjustments a little, but so far I've only had 1 adjustment so I'll get back to you on that one. I had to stick with mashed potatoes, soup, and jello. That's was my main foods for my week in spacers. The very day I got them off I went straight to eat, and it was delicious!! Good luck!
TEETH IN THE BEGINNING (OCT. '05)
Image
TEETH NOW (Oct. 28, 2007)
Image
Braced (uppers & lowers): 2 Years
Retainer Check: 1-18-08
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Jesslzz 01
Posts: 84
Joined: Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:58 pm
Location: Argentina

#5 Post by Jesslzz 01 »

Thank you all for your help!

I'm feeling better now!
I also think that using wires twisted as spacers is sort of a primitive procedure. We are talking of the same thing, Huon!

As you said, Dadio, I am also using wax (a lot) on all of them, is the only way I can talk without feel the little wires scratching the inside of my cheeks.

I guess that maybe the wire spacers are used when the process needs to be accelerated, or when you don't have enough space to use the rubber ones (that would probably be my case) but I don't know. I am having these spacers just for a day and I can surely tell that my teeth moved! My ortho told me that I will feel them a bit loose over a couple of days. The spacers will be removed next week, on Tuesday, and then he will place the molar bands.

I don't enjoy eating at all, it is really awful and painful, but when I read your posts I now that all of this is normal and that I'm in my way to finally get my braces...Thanks a lot, Gracie, you made me feel a lot better!

Thanks again :D
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aussierob
Posts: 178
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:42 am
Location: Sydney AU on the beautiful Northern Beaches

#6 Post by aussierob »

At my spacers time my ortho had a lot of trouble getting the elastic separators between my molars ... space was very tight.
However she battled on and got them in OK.
Her other option was to use the metal-wire-twist mentioned here but said she wanted to avoid that as they are "barbaric"
Hope it isn't too uncomfortable - the good news is the aches pass in a few days!
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