Your guide to orthodontic separators

If your dentist has placed separators between your teeth today, you might be wondering what exactly they are and what to expect over the next few days. Here's everything you need to know.

What are orthodontic separators?

Orthodontic separators — also called spacers — are small rubber rings or metal springs that are placed between specific teeth, usually the back molars. Their job is simple but important: to create a tiny amount of space between the teeth so that orthodontic bands can be fitted comfortably at your next appointment.

Orthodontic bands are metal rings that wrap around the back teeth and serve as anchor points for your braces or other orthodontic appliances. Without separators creating space first, the bands would not be able to slide into position comfortably.

Separators are temporary — they are typically only in place for 1–2 weeks before your next appointment, at which point they are removed and your bands are fitted.

What to expect after separators are placed

• Soreness and pressure between the teeth where the separators have been placed is completely normal — and is actually a sign that they are working

• The discomfort typically feels similar to the sensation of having something stuck between your teeth — a persistent pressure that is most noticeable when biting down

• Soreness is usually most significant in the first 2–3 days and gradually eases after that

• Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed — take it before the discomfort peaks for best effect

• Some patients find the separators feel uncomfortable enough to affect eating — this is normal and temporary

Eating with separators

• Stick to soft foods for the first few days — porridge, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soft tofu, mashed potato, and soup

• Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods throughout the time separators are in place — these can dislodge the separators prematurely

• Avoid chewing gum — it will pull the separators out

• Cut food into small pieces to minimise pressure on the separator sites when chewing

• Avoid biting directly into hard foods such as apples or crusty bread

Oral hygiene with separators

• Continue brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day as normal — do not skip brushing around the separator sites

• Do not floss between the teeth where separators have been placed — flossing will dislodge them

• You may use floss on all other teeth as normal — just avoid the specific gaps where separators are sitting

• Rinse with warm salt water if the gum tissue around the separators feels irritated

What if a separator falls out?

Separators can occasionally fall out — particularly if dislodged by food. Here is what to do:

• Do not panic — contact your orthodontist's clinic and let them know

• Your dentist will advise whether the separator needs to be replaced or whether your appointment is close enough that it does not matter

• Do not attempt to reinsert the separator yourself

• If your appointment is within the next day or two, your dentist may advise you to simply come in as scheduled

• If your appointment is still several days away, a replacement separator will likely need to be placed to ensure adequate space has been created for the band

How many separators will I have?

The number of separators placed varies from patient to patient depending on your treatment plan. Most commonly, separators are placed between the molars on both sides of the upper and lower arch — so you may have anywhere from two to eight separators in place at one time. Your dentist will tell you exactly how many have been placed so you can keep track of them.

What happens at your next appointment?

• Your dentist will remove the separators — this is quick, simple, and painless

• The orthodontic bands are then slid into the spaces created and fitted comfortably around the molar teeth

• Once the bands are cemented in place your braces or appliance fitting will proceed

💡 Dr Watt's tip: The soreness from separators catches a lot of patients off guard because they look so small and harmless! But that pressure means they are doing exactly what they need to do — creating just enough space for your bands. Stock up on soft foods, take pain relief if needed, and remember it is only for a week or two. The discomfort is very temporary! 😊