Separation effect and perception of pain and discomfort from two types of orthodontic separators.

Aim: To examine two types of orthodontic separators, focusing on the separating effect and patients' perception of pain and discomfort.
Methods: The separators tested were spring-type and elastomeric separators. Thirty teenagers participated, and all were scheduled for treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance. Two spring-type and two elastomeric separators were placed alternately in the left or the right quadrant. After a separation period of 5 days, the amount of separation was measured with a leaf gauge. Nine questionnaires with visual analogue scales and questions with fixed answers were used to register the patient perceptions.
Results: The mean separation was 0.3 mm for the spring-type and 0.4 mm for the elastomeric separators (P < .05). The springs were considered less painful than the elastomerics, but the difference was not statistically significant. For both separators, the pain was worst at day 2 and subsided almost completely by day 5. Due to pain, 14 of the 30 patients changed their food habits, and 13 took analgesics.
Conclusions: The separation effect of the two separators was considered clinically equivalent and since pain of moderate intensity occurs during the separation period, analgesics and soft food can be recommended.