These little rubber rings are placed between your teeth to open a small amount of space between your molars. This space makes it much easier to fit bands around these teeth. They should remain in place approximately one week.

  • The separators will make your teeth tender or sore for 3 to 5 days. You may want to take ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve the discomfort.
  • Avoid chewy and sticky foods, including gum, because they may pull the separators out.
  • Avoid flossing your teeth where there are separators. However, you can brush or use a waterpik.
  • If a separator falls out, this usually means it has created the needed space. However, if this happens more than 3 days prior to your appointment, please contact our office. If it is over the weekend, you may wait until Monday.

Note: If a separator is swallowed, there should be no complications because of their small size.