The small rubber bands that dentists and orthodontists place between teeth are known as separators or spacers. These temporary elastic materials, often small and circular, are typically inserted between the posterior teeth, which are the molars and premolars. Their function is purely preparatory, and they are a necessary step in readying the mouth for certain types of fixed dental appliances.
The Essential Role of Dental Separators
The primary reason these rubber bands are used is to create a small, temporary space between teeth that are naturally very tightly positioned against one another. This natural contact point between two adjacent teeth is called the interproximal space. In most cases, there is not enough room to fit other hardware without first widening this space.
The separators work by exerting gentle, continuous pressure on the surfaces of the adjacent teeth. This force slowly pushes the teeth apart by a very small distance, typically less than one millimeter. This minute separation is just enough to allow the placement of a larger, permanent appliance later on.
The goal of this process is not to move the teeth for straightening purposes, which is the job of the full orthodontic system. Instead, the temporary space is created solely for access, enabling the orthodontist to “seat a band.” If the teeth were not separated beforehand, attempting to force a metal band between them would cause considerable discomfort and may damage the tooth or gum tissue.
Specific Orthodontic Applications
The minuscule space created by the separators is specifically required for securing various fixed dental appliances. The most common application is to allow the placement of molar bands, which are metal rings that encircle the back teeth. These molar bands serve as anchors for the entire fixed braces system, providing a secure attachment point for the archwire.
Beyond traditional braces, separators are also used to prepare the mouth for other types of appliances that require a secure anchor on the molars. This includes the placement of fixed space maintainers, which prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into the gap left by a prematurely lost baby tooth. Similarly, devices like palatal expanders and Nance holding arches, used to widen the jaw or hold molars in position, also rely on securely fitted molar bands for their stability.
The type of separator used can vary, with elastic bands being the most common, though small metal rings may be used in cases where teeth are exceptionally tight. Whether rubber or metal, the function remains the same: to ensure the subsequent anchor appliance can be fitted without excessive force or patient discomfort.
Managing Discomfort and Care
Patients often report a feeling of pressure or a dull ache after the separators are placed, which is a normal response as the teeth are being gently moved. This sensation is often likened to having food firmly stuck between the teeth, and it occurs because the separators are actively applying force to the periodontal ligament surrounding the tooth root. The discomfort typically peaks within the first day or two following placement, then gradually subsides as the teeth adjust to the new, albeit temporary, space.
Managing this discomfort can usually be accomplished with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken according to the product’s instructions. A temporary soft diet can also help minimize pain during chewing. It is important to avoid sticky or chewy foods, such as caramel or chewing gum, because they can easily pull the small elastic bands out of position, reversing the work the separator has done.
Care instructions require a slight modification of the patient’s normal oral hygiene routine. While brushing should continue as normal, patients must strictly avoid flossing in the areas where the separators are placed. Flossing motions can dislodge the elastic bands, requiring an extra appointment to have them replaced and potentially delaying the next phase of treatment. If a separator does fall out more than a couple of days before the next appointment, the patient should contact the office, as the space may begin to close quickly.
Transitioning to the Next Phase of Treatment
Once the separators have remained in place for the prescribed time, typically between one and two weeks, they will be removed at the start of the next appointment. The removal process is quick and easy, often involving a simple instrument to snip or slide the elastic band out of the newly created space. Patients usually experience immediate relief from the pressure sensation once the separator is gone.
The small gap that was created by the separator now allows the dentist or orthodontist to slide the metal molar band over the tooth with minimal resistance. This band is custom-fitted and cemented into place, acting as the secure anchor for the rest of the orthodontic system. After the band is secured, the active phase of the overall treatment can begin, as the newly anchored molar band is ready to receive the archwire or other required components.