Separators

Separators are small, thick, rubber bands that are used to separate your teeth. Your teeth normally contact each other tightly and make it difficult to slip an orthodontic band around the tooth comfortably.

Several days before your first banding appointment, we will place a separator between the teeth to be banded. These separators squeeze together to move the teeth and provide room for the metal bands.

This can be rather uncomfortable so taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen is usually recommended. Sometimes the separators move the teeth so much that they fall out while eating or toothbrushing.

If this happens, do not worry, tt simply means that they have done their job and there is room for the metal bands. Please call our office to see if your banding appointment is soon enough that you will not need them replaced.