Separators
Normally your teeth fit snugly, one against the other. We often find we have to move the back teeth (molars) apart, to make room for your braces. To make it easier for you before placing your fixed appliances, we may have to make spaces between your back teeth so the bands are more easily places around those teeth.
The type of separator we use are small plastic rings, shaped like a small doughnut. Once in place they gently move certain teeth slightly apart to allow us to accurately place bands at your appointment. YES, we know this will cause you some temporary soreness but that will go away in a few days. Don’t despair!
After a few days your teeth will feel comfortable again as they get accustomed to being slightly apart. That small space means your bands can be fitted easily and in the place that best aids in straightening your teeth.
Instructions
You may find the need to take a few doses of Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve® or Ibuprofen (as long as you are not allergic to them) to relieve this soreness. Possibly the best relief comes from your normal chewing with these teeth. Chewing will speed your teeth to feeling normal.
Floss daily between all the teeth except where the separators have been placed.
Call us only if you lose more than one separator. We may want to replace it.
Avoid these type of foods while wearing separators:
- jellybeans
- caramels
- taffy
- gummy bears
- chewing gum!
