What happens if a spacer grows into your gums? (Photo)

Question

About 3 or so months ago I got braces. Awhile before that, I had these blue rubber band like spacers in my back teeth. On one side, one of them fell out within the first week. The second one didn't, as time passed I forgot about it. Well, yesterday, something blue caught my eye in the back of my mouth. What do ya know, it's the spacer thing. Were they supposed to take it out? Will I have to lose a tooth to remove it? Will it cause damage to my gums? Will my orthodontist take care of the problem?

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS · Answer

spacers always should be removed when the braces are placed. You are lucky it has worked it was up rather than down as it could cause very serious problems!...get it out ASAP and have your dentist check for any damage

Paul Styrt, DMD · Answer

Hi Hayley
We are sorry to hear that your spacer has grown into the gums. This however can easily be taken care of by your orthodontist. I suggest calling your orthodontist office and having them take care of this for you. This is not a difficult fix and following removal of the spacer try warm salt water rinses to help with any inflammation in the gum area. We hope this helps!

Patrick M. Ohlenforst, DDS, MS · Answer

Yep, that's the spacer you forgot about.  Your orthodontist or his/her staff assumed it had come out when they put your braces on (the spacer's job was to make a small space between the molar and the bicuspid so that a band could be comfortably put on the molar.).Sometimes the patient thinks the spacer has come out when, in reality, it has migrated up between the teeth. Then, if you're lucky, it works it's way out and looks exactly like your picture. All you (or your orthodontist) has to do is grab it with an instrument and take it out.  It might be a tiny bit uncomfortable (a pinch?) and your gums might bleed a little, but the gums will be back to normal in a day or two.It's nothing to worry about....either take it out yourself (tell your orthodontist about it) or go in to have it removed.Good luck!!

What happens if a spacer grows into your gums? (Photo)

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What happens if a spacer grows into your gums? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Braces

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.