EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF TWO ELASTOMERIC SEPARATORS IN ORTHODONTICS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

AIM: The elastomeric separators used in orthodontic practice to create a space between adjacent teeth to aid in the accurate placement of orthodontic bands especially for molars, undoubtedly have several advantages over other types of separators, but their iatrogenic potential is overlooked. The aim of this study is to compare two latex free elastomeric separators differing in their design for perception of pain and discomfort, their dislodgement and subsequent gingival displacement. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 60 patients, 26 males and 34 females had two different types of latex free elastomeric separators, type S and type T, placed randomly in right and left quadrants. The subjects recorded their pain and discomfort on visual analogue scale at 6 time intervals and were examined for the number of separators lost on 3rd and 5th day. RESULTS:This study shows that the loss of ?type S? separators is significantly higher than the ?type T? separators. This study confirms the peak pain levels to be on 2nd day for both type of separators but the intensity of pain due to type T separators were significantly lesser than type S separators at all intervals of time. Subgingival displacement of type S separators was seen in eight patients whereas type T separators were retained well in all the subjects. CONCLUSION:Latex free elastomeric separators having knobs on either side of each ring that extend beyond the interproximal area out past the gingiva proved to be safe and effective for tooth separation with lower pain and discomfort.