Placing a tooth separator is often necessary in cases where the molars are too close together and there is not enough space to place the braces band. The separator will help create a certain distance between the two molars according to the doctor’s calculation so that the braces band can be attached easily without causing discomfort to the patient.
1. How many types of separator are there?
Separators are small rubber rings or rectangular metal bars attached to the spaces between teeth number 5, 6 or 7. When used, the doctor will use a specialized dental tool to insert the elastic between the teeth. The separators will help widen the gap between the two teeth, creating enough space to place the braces band, helping to shorten the time of the orthodontic process later.
There are 2 types of separators: rubber and metal, but usually doctors will use rubber because it does not cause discomfort to the wearer.
1.1. Rubber separators
This type of elastic is made from 100% pure, natural rubber and does not use toxic substances, completely harmless to the human body.
The main color of this type of elastic is blue, slightly small and hard. Because it is made of rubber, when inserted into the gap between the teeth, it will create a sufficient gap between the two teeth as desired by the doctor using natural elasticity. When reaching the required distance, they will fall out by themselves, so customers do not need to worry about having to wear them for a long time.
1.2. Metal Separators
This type is made of metal, L-shaped with a spring layer inside. This metal material is also very safe and harmless to the body, so it will not cause any irritation when present in the oral cavity.
Metal separators are less commonly used than rubber separators, and are only used in cases where separation is required for a long time (from 6 weeks or more). After reaching the required gap, they do not automatically fall out, but customers need to go to the dentist to be treated as instructed by the doctor.
Another reason why metal separators are less commonly used is that they can cause damage to soft tissue, the inner cheeks, tongue, etc. when eating, chewing, and doing daily activities.
2. Why do we need to place separators?
In fact, there are many cases where the gaps between the teeth are too tight, leading to not enough space to attach the braces band (braces stitch). These bands will be fixed at the position of tooth number 6 or 7 to serve the braces process, shortening the treatment time because they create strong tightening force.
For the above case, the doctor will prescribe the placement of separating elastics to create enough space between the teeth, supporting the attachment of the stitches to the molars more easily without causing pain or discomfort to the patient.
If the teeth are sufficiently spaced, the braces band can be placed without any difficulty, then the placement of separating elastics is no longer necessary. Therefore, to know whether or not you need to place a separator, you should go to the dentist for examination and the best treatment plan.
3. Safe ways to place separator
Separator can be placed between teeth in the following 2 ways:
3.1. Using dental floss
– Step 1: Thread the elastic through a piece of dental floss.
– Step 2: Fold the floss in half.
– Step 3: Thread the floss into the gap between the teeth where the elastic needs to be placed.
– Step 4: Slowly pull the floss to one side until the separator is inside the gap between the teeth.
– Step 5: Remove the floss from the teeth.
3.2. Using pliers
– Step 1: Use dental separating pliers to clamp the 2 ends of the elastic.
– Step 2: Separate the pliers to stretch the elastic band to both sides, making the elastic band thinner and easier to insert between the teeth.
4. How long does it take to place the elastic band between the teeth?
Placing a tooth separator will be done quickly and using a tool to insert the rubber band into the tooth gap only takes a few seconds. Normally, placing the rubber band for both the upper and lower jaws as well as checking the rubber band after placement only takes about 5 minutes. People preparing for braces need to wear the rubber band between the teeth for at least 5 – 7 days to ensure that the teeth are separated.
However, each person’s constitution is different, so if the teeth are too hard and slow to move, after 1 week, the dentist will remove the old rubber band and replace it with another one, until the desired tooth gap is achieved.
5. Is it painful to put in a separator?
In fact, the separator is a foreign object, so when placed between two teeth that are tightly closed, it will definitely cause immediate discomfort. The feeling will be similar to when food is stuck between the teeth.
However, there will be an uncomfortable feeling, but the nature of the separator does not cause damage to the teeth or mucous membrane – gums, so placing the separator will not be as painful as many people imagine. As the gap between the teeth gradually widens, the feeling of discomfort will also gradually decrease.
6. How to reduce pain after placing a separator
To reduce the feeling of discomfort and pain after placing a separator, customers can apply a few of the following methods:
– Apply ice: Customers can use a bag of ice cubes to apply to the area of the teeth where the separator is placed for about 10 minutes. The cold from the ice will help you feel comfortable quickly.
– Take pain relievers: Some drugs on the market today will help reduce the feeling of discomfort quickly. However, customers should only use drugs when prescribed by a doctor and should not arbitrarily buy or use drugs to ensure safety for overall health.
7. Oral care after placing the separator
After placing the separator, customers need to pay more attention to oral care to reduce discomfort as well as not to drop or break the separator:
– Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle force in a circular motion, avoiding the area where the separator is placed for the first 1-2 days.
– Rinse your mouth with diluted salt water or specialized mouthwash to clean bacteria in the oral cavity.
– Avoid food debris that remains stuck for a long time, causing other oral diseases such as gingivitis, tooth decay, etc.
– Do not use dental floss or water flossers at the location where the elastic is placed.
– Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods such as porridge, soup, yogurt, fresh milk, etc. At the same time, avoid foods that are too tough, crunchy, sticky, too hot or too cold.
So, placing a separator is very necessary in certain cases before orthodontics to support the placement of braces more easily and without causing discomfort. To know exactly whether you need to place a separator, customers should go to a reputable dental facility for a free examination and consultation on the detailed treatment regimen.
