Published Paper Details:

Aim: Assessment of pain and discomfort with different types of separators- Kansal, Kesling, Ni-Ti and Elastomeric separators. Materials and method: 100 adult subjects (50 Males and 50 females), aged 18-30 were chosen, four different types of separators (Kansal, Kesling, Ni-Ti and Elastomeric separator) were placed in the first permanent molar region in the same subjects and using a visual analogue scale [VAS] scoring system and Questionnaire Chart by the investigator, pain and discomfort recorded after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day of separator placement over 24 hours intervals. Results: One-way ANOVA test depicts higher VAS score in elastomeric and less with Ni-Ti separators which was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Presence of pain during chewing was statistically highly significant with Kesling and Kansal separator after day 1 while Ni-Ti and elastomeric after day 3 whereas at rest it was significant (P<0.05) for only elastomeric separator after day 3 in females Whereas in males, it was non-significant (P>0.05) for Ni-Ti separator but, highly significant difference(P<0.001) during chewing with Kesling, Kansal after day 1 while elastomeric separator after day 3 at rest and during chewing. Conclusion: VAS score was more with elastomeric and less with Ni-Ti at all durations whereas Kansal was less painful in females after day 1 and 2 and in males after day 3 while Kesling was less painful in males after day 1 and 3 which increased over 24 hrs of interval. So, Clinicians need to have preferred a suitable separator taking into account the amount of separation in conjunction with pain and discomfort. Clinical implication: A variety of separators are available in the market hence one should search for a separator that gives maximum separation and minimum discomfort to the patient.