Orthodontic Separators Essay

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INTRODUCTION:
For treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance, separation of the molars is necessary to create enough space for the bands that anchor the appliance. Different types of separators have been used in orthodontics for tooth separation (eg. Brass wires, latex elastics and elastomerics, spring type steel separators, etc) 1
The ideal separator should be safely secured between the teeth, giving rapid and good separation without causing the patient much discomfort or pain, thereby making the fitting of the band to the tooth easy. Moreover, the separator should be easily cleaned and not be lost before its intended duration of stay.
Currently, elastomeric modules are the separators of choice as they provide rapid and adequate separation of the molars to create adequate space for the placement of bands around them. They are commonly placed for several days or usually a week. Due to continued force and occlusal interferences, elastomeric separators inevitably produce discomfort and pain which increases to a peak level at approximately 24 hrs of placement and can last the whole week.1 These separators are consequently lost during eating and/or brushing and the loss is unnoticed by the patient. In most cases, the separators need to be placed again leading to an extra visit to the orthodontic office for band placement. Because the …show more content…

A gradual reduction of contact point tightness often permits separator loss before the banding appointment. This can occur during eating or brushing and results in rebounding of teeth and return to the initial contact point thickness. A separator is lost when the space gained is wide enough so that during mastication, the occlusal part of the elastomeric ring is compressed below the contact point and gets embedded into the gingival

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