The Elliot separator for safe and efficient interproximal reduction

Judicious reduction of the interproximal enamel, termed interproximal reduction (IPR), is one means of creating the space necessary for relief of crowding. IPR requires directed removal of enamel without compromising the contact points, which must be re-established after the space created has been used. Of utmost importance during the process is ensuring that all the soft tissues are protected because there is potential to traumatize the lips or cheeks, the tongue, or the interdental papilla beneath the contact point.

The Elliot separator was conceived as a means of separating teeth for Class II restorations. In orthodontics, it enables gentle tooth separation and allows the interproximal area to be easily accessed. Its elegant design consists of a pair of spring-loaded blunt pincers, a body, and a screw mechanism (Figure 1). This separator can be used to excellent effect when performing IPR, because it not only effectively separates the teeth, but, most importantly, keeps tissues away, and therefore directly protects the vulnerable soft tissues including the lips, tongue and interdental papillae (Figure 2).