Aim:To examine three types of orthodontic separators, focusing on the separating effect and patient's perception of pain and discomfort.
Materials and methods:The separators tested were spring-type, elastomeric and brass wire separators. Fifty subjects, who were scheduled for treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance, were divided into two groups. In Group I subjects, spring-type and elastomeric separators and in Group II subjects, elastomeric and brass wire separators were placed alternately in the left or the right quadrant of the maxillary arch. After a period of 7 days, the amount of separation was measured with a leaf gauge. Six questionnaires with visual analog scale and questions with fixed answers were used to register the patient perceptions.
Results:The mean separation was 0.32 mm for the spring-type, 0.41 mm for the elastomeric separators and 0.40 mm for brass wire separators. The Kesling springs were considered less painful than the elastomerics and brass wire separators. Both elastomeric and brass wire separators produced more separation as compared to Kesling springs.
Conclusion:Separation achieved by Kesling separators was less than that achieved by elastomeric and brass wire separators but discomfort with Kesling separators was considerably less than that with elastomeric and brass wire separators.
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