SEPARATING ELASTICS

We have placed small elastic rubber bands between several of your teeth. These are called separators or spacers. They are placed to slowly move your teeth apart and provide enough space for us to place orthodontic bands on your teeth. Please note the following:

1. These elastic separators may make your teeth tender. Ibuprofen or Tylenol may be taken for discomfort. Warm salt-water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water) may also be helpful to relieve the soreness. The soreness will normally be gone after a few days.

2. Occasionally separators may come out. This usually happens because enough space is present for the orthodontic bands to be placed. This could also happen if you chew gum or eat sticky foods such as caramels, taffy, or tootsie rolls.

3. NEVER INTENTIONALLY REMOVE THE ELASTIC SEPARATORS from between your teeth, even when brushing! The elastics must stay in until your next appointment. DO NOT FLOSS BETWEEN THE TEETH WHERE THE SEPARATORS ARE PLACED.

4. After the elastic separators have been placed, brush your teeth and gums carefully and thoroughly a minimum of 4 to 5 times a day. Being too rigorous with your brushing may dislodge the elastics. But, spending too little time each time you brush may cause food to impact or stick around the elastic. This will lead to mouth odors; bad tastes and may make your gum tissue very sore.

5. If you have any problems or concerns please call.

SEPARATOR
Small blue rubber band that fits between back molars to create space for bands.

BRACKET
Metal or clear, glued directly to the surface of the tooth.

BAND
Primarily on back molars. A metal ring encircling the whole tooth.

WIRE
Slides through the slot on the bracket and engages in the band.

ORMALAST
Small rubber band surrounding bracket, holding the wire in place. May be multi-colored, gray, or clear. May also be referred to as o-ring or tie.