Which method is used to place elastic separators between teeth?

The correct answer involves using dental floss or elastic separating pliers for placing elastic separators between teeth. This method is essential in orthodontics, as elastic separators are used to create space between teeth prior to the placement of orthodontic bands.

Using dental floss allows practitioners to maneuver the elastic separator into the appropriate space effectively, ensuring optimal placement and function. Elastic separating pliers are specifically designed for this purpose, providing the necessary grip and precision to carefully position the separators without causing discomfort to the patient. This technique is crucial for achieving the desired spacing while minimizing trauma to the surrounding gingival tissue.

In contrast, band-removing pliers are designed to assist in the removal of orthodontic bands, which is a different procedure entirely. The Weingart utility plier serves multiple functions, including handling various orthodontic materials, but it is not specifically intended for placing elastic separators. A dental scaler is used for scaling and removing plaque or calculus from teeth, making it unsuitable for the task of placing separators. Hence, the combination of dental floss and elastic separating pliers is the correct method for this procedure.