Orthodontic spacers: what to expect

Page updated October 14, 2026. Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Loucks-Buren.

Orthodontic spacers, also called separators, are small rubber rings or wire loops placed between your back teeth about a week before braces. They push the teeth apart slightly so metal bands can fit around them. They're sore for a couple of days, they come out when the bands go on, and they're normally included in the price of braces.

What spacers are and why you need them

Traditional braces use brackets glued to the teeth, connected by a wire that is anchored to metal bands, rings that fit around some of the back teeth (Healthline). A band is a metal ring cemented to a back tooth for strength and anchorage (AAO). Back teeth usually sit tightly together, so there's no room to slide a band between them. Spacers fix that by creating a little space, usually between the molars (Healthline).

The AAO defines separators as an elastic o-ring or small wire loop placed between the teeth to create space for orthodontic bands, usually about a week before the bands are placed (AAO). Most people who get traditional braces need them (Healthline).

Types of spacers

• Rubber spacers: the most common type; small rubber rings placed between the molars (Healthline).
• Metal spacers: small metal rings or wire loops (Healthline) (AAO).

Getting spacers put in

For rubber spacers, the orthodontist stretches each one with a small tool or dental floss, then wiggles it into place between the molars while you open wide (Healthline). You may feel pressure and a pinching sensation as each spacer slides down toward the gumline (Healthline).

How long you wear spacers

Usually about a week. If you need spacers, you'll get them about a week before your braces, and you'll probably have them for a week or two before they come out and the metal bands go around your back teeth (Healthline). Removal is simple: the orthodontist pops them out with a small tool, and if they've done their job they come out easily (Healthline).

Do spacers hurt?

Pain is different for everyone: some people find spacers very sore, others mostly irritating (Healthline). A 2015 study of 62 adolescents cited by Healthline found the first 2 days after getting spacers were the worst, and that the pain eases fairly quickly (Healthline). You may keep feeling as if something is caught between your back teeth until they come out (Healthline).

For relief, Healthline says your orthodontist may suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen, and rinsing with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) three to four times a day (Healthline). Ask your orthodontist which pain reliever to use; Cleveland Clinic notes that for braces, acetaminophen is preferred over ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, which may interrupt tooth movement (Cleveland Clinic). More in do braces hurt?

What to eat with spacers

Avoid hard or sticky foods, such as toffee, caramel, gummy candies and chewing gum, and foods that take a lot of chewing, such as steak (Healthline). Cleveland Clinic recommends soft foods for the first few days after braces go on (Cleveland Clinic), and the same approach helps while spacers are sore.

Brushing and flossing with spacers

Keep brushing normally, but don't floss between the teeth where the spacers are, because you could knock one out (Healthline).

If a spacer falls out

Tell your orthodontist right away. You may need another spacer put in, or the orthodontist may decide you already have enough space between your teeth (Healthline). Don't pick or pull at spacers, which can knock them out (Healthline).

A checklist for spacer week

• Expect pressure and some soreness for the first couple of days (Healthline).
• Stock up on soft foods, and skip gum, toffee, caramel and gummy candies (Healthline).
• Rinse with warm salt water if your gums are sore (Healthline).
• Brush carefully, especially around the back teeth; don't floss where the spacers are (Healthline).
• Before your braces appointment, no special preparation is needed: eat as usual and brush and floss thoroughly (AAO).

Spacers and bands: why some people don't need them

Spacers exist to make room for bands, the metal rings cemented around back teeth for strength and anchorage (AAO). Most people who get traditional braces need them (Healthline); ask at your first visit whether you will. Clear aligners use trays instead of brackets and wires (Cleveland Clinic), so there are no bands to make room for.

The order of things: from spacers to retainer

1. First visit: exam, records such as X-rays, and a treatment plan (AAO).
2. Spacers: placed about a week before the bands (AAO).
3. Braces on: spacers come out, bands go around the back teeth and brackets are bonded to the others; this is usually the longest appointment (AAO).
4. Adjustments: every 4 to 12 weeks (AAO), with new tie colors if you like.
5. Braces off: most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months (AAO).
6. Retainer: full-time for at least four to six months, then at night for life (Cleveland Clinic).

The terms explained

When to call the orthodontist

Call if a spacer falls out, or if you have any other problem with your spacers (Healthline). Also call if pain is severe or doesn't ease after the first few days; spacer soreness usually improves quickly (Healthline).

What spacers feel like day to day

Expect pressure and a pinching feeling as each spacer goes in (Healthline). Over the next few days many people describe a constant feeling that something is caught between their back teeth, like food that won't come loose (Healthline). That's the spacer doing its job, slowly opening a gap. Chewing on the back teeth can feel tender, so softer foods and smaller bites help. The soreness usually peaks in the first two days and then eases (Healthline), well before the spacers come out for your bands. If eating is uncomfortable, cut food into small pieces and chew with your front teeth for a day or two, and keep up gentle brushing so food doesn't collect around the spacers.

How much spacers cost

Nothing extra: spacers are part of getting braces and are included in the cost (Healthline). The cost that matters is the braces themselves: metal braces typically cost $3,000 to $7,000 (CareCredit data, 2022), and the US average for comprehensive treatment is $5,645 (Pearl, May 2026). Insurance, HSA or FSA money and payment plans can all help (Healthline); see braces payment plans.

What happens next

Once the spacers are out, the orthodontist cements bands around the back teeth and bonds brackets to the front teeth. Placing braces is usually the longest appointment of your treatment (AAO). After that you'll come back every 4 to 12 weeks for adjustments (AAO). See types of braces for what to expect with each.