TOOTH SEPARATION

Tooth Separation: It is a intraoral procedure

for the creation of proper contact and
contours.
Separators: These are devices or instruments
used to displace two adjacent teeth slightly
away from each other to create space in
between.
For the proper reproduction of the
physioanatomical features of the teeth, two
operative act must precede or accompany
the restorative procedure:
• Tooth movement
• Matrixing
Tooth movement:
It the act of either separating the involved teeth
from each other, bringing them closer to each
other or changing their spatial position in one or
more dimention. This is done in order to facilitate
the creation of physiologically functional contact,
contour and occluding anatomy of restored tooth.
There are two methods of tooth movement:
i. Rapid or Immediate tooth movement.
ii. Slow or delayed tooth movement.
Rapid or immediate tooth movement:
This is a mechanical type of separation that creates
either proximal separation at the point of separator’s
introduction and/or improved closeness of proximal
surface opposite the point of the separator’s
introduction.
Two methods:
WEDGE METHOD and
TRACTION METHOD.
Rapid or Immediate tooth movement is done by either
of the methods:

Wedge method.
Separation is accomplished by the insertion of
pointed wedge shaped device between the teeth in
order to create separation at that point or closure on
the opposite proximal side of involved teeth.
eg. Wedge , elliot separator.
 WEDGES: These are the wedge-shaped devices which are
snugly inserted into gingival embrassure, so as to close any
gap at gingival margin after tightening of band and to
create space between the teeth(1 base, 2 sides and 1 apex).
Length : half of an inch or 1.2cm.
Types:
a) Wooden wedges
b) Plastic wedges
c) Light transmitting wedges.
Wooden wedges: These are triangular shaped wedges
made of wood.
Adv.: 1)Easy to trim.
2)Adapt well.
 Plastic wedges: These are made up of synthetic resins.
• Normal wedges .
• Wave shaped wedges.

Light transmitting wedges: These are transparent

wedges which can transmit light to proximal cavity
region and is used to ensure the polymerisation of
aesthetic tooth coloured composite restoration.
Wedge placement(wedging):
It should be placed below the contact area usually in the
lingual gingival embrassure as it is larger.
It can also be placed from the buccal side if there is a tongue
interference.
Should be such that:
In cross section the base of the triangle will be in contact
with the interdental papillae,gingival to the gingival margin
of the proximal cavity.
The two sides of the triangle should coincide with the
corresponding two sides of the gingival embrassures.
The apex of the triangle should coincide with the gingival
start of the contact area.
Types of wedging:
1) Piggiback wedging:Two wedges are placed one over
the other,smaller over the bigger where the is a
gingival recession.
2) Double wedging:Use of two wedges one from buccal
aspect, and other from lingual aspect,when the
proximal box is wide or if there is spacing between
the teeth.
3) Wedge wedging: Used primarily on the mesial aspect
of maxillary 1st premolars.Second wedge is placed
vertically between 1st and the band.
Fuctions of wedges:
Stabilize the matrix band and retainer.
Prevent gingival overhang of restoration.
Separate teeth to compensate for thickness of matrix
band.
Retract the rubber dam from gingival margin to
control bleeding and moisture.
Traction method:

This is always done with mechanical device which

engage the proximal surface of the teeth to be
separated by means of holding arms. These are
mechanically moved apart, creating separation
between the clamped teeth.
Eg.Non interfering true separator.
Ferrier double bow separator.
Slow or delayed tooth movement:
When teeth have drifted or tilted considerably, rapid
movement of teeth to the proper position will
endanger the periodontal ligaments.Therefore, slow
tooth movement,over a period of weeks,will allow the
proper repositioning of teeth in physiological manner.
Three Methods:
SEPARATING WIRES
OVERSIZED TEMPORARIES
ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
MATRIXING:
It is a procedure where by a temporary wall is created
opposite to axial wall and surrounding area of tooth
structure that were lost during tooth preparation.
It is formed of two parts:
Matrix Band:A matrix band is a piece of metal or
polymeric material which is used to support and give
form to restorative material in recreating the lost
contact and contour of tooth str.
Matrix Band Retainer: It is a device by which the band
can be retained in its designated position and shape.
Matrix: It is a device used to contour a restoration by
providing a temporary wall to stimulate that of tooth
str. ,which it is replacing.
Function :Matrix are used to confine restorative material
while it is hardening, to establish optimal contact and
contour to prevent gingival overhang of restoration.
It also provides an acceptable surface texture for
restoration and displace gingiva away from the cavity
margin during restoration.
Classification of matrixs:
Based on the mode of retention:
A. With retainer .eg. Tofflemier matrix
B. Without retainer.eg. Automatrix
Based on the type of the cavity for which it is used:
C. Matrix for classI cavity preparation: Double banded Tofflemier.
D. Matrix for classII cavity preparatipon:
Single banded Tofflemier.
Ivory matrix no.1
Ivory matrix no.8
Copper band matrix
Anatomical matrix
Auto matrix
S-shaped matrix band
C.Marix for classIII cavity:
Transparent plastic matrix strips
Mylar strips
S-shaped matrix
D. Matrix for classIV cavity:
Cellophane strips
Transparent crown form matrix
Anatomic matrix
Modified S-shaped band
E.Matrix for classV cavity:
Window matrix
S-shaped matrix
Cervical matrix
Thank U