Interproximal reduction: what is the orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic interproximal reduction has become a common procedure in orthodontics as part of the preparatory work for patients that want aligners or braces. It creates space between teeth shortly before a patient’s orthodontic treatment.
Although these techniques have transformed the orthodontic environment, it can sometimes be difficult for patients to understand what their orthodontist plans to do.
If you want to know more about IPR, and why your orthodontist has suggested it as part of your treatment plan, you can stop the search for interproximal reduction articles. We've got everything you need to know about it covered below.
What is interproximal reduction?
It sounds pretty scary when the orthodontist tells you they're going to strip down your teeth. We want to take that fear away, and leave you feeling empowered. When you've finished reading you'll know exactly what the dentist wants to do and why. So, the first question you probably want an answer to is what IPR actually is!
Dental interproximal reduction, or IPR, is an orthodontic procedure that consists of stripping millimetres off the sides of a patient's tooth.
Interproximal reduction (IPR), or tooth stripping, is a very common technique. Its main objective is to reduce the width of the teeth, creating space, and avoiding any extractions (1). Suitable patients requiring dental IPR orthodontics treatment typically suffer mild to moderate crowding. When it comes to more severe dental crowding, the option to consider is the extraction of a tooth.
How much space does interproximal reduction make?
The dentist could use a variety of approaches to remove small amounts of enamel from the sides of your teeth. Using either inter-proximal strips (handheld abrasive strips), oscillating strips, rotary discs space created between teeth is approximately between 0.2 and 0.5 millimeters.
What is IPR used for at the dentists?
Arch enlargement
The main function of interdental stripping is to gain space on the tooth surface, specifically for orthodontic treatments. Modifying the contact points between teeth is a good option, allowing for less malocclusion and a better-fitting device. The IPR technique means that a patient doesn't have to suffer extractions if they only have minimal dental crowding.
Incisor protrusion
Dental IPR procedures are also used to reduce incisor protrusion, which is when the upper incisors fit in front of the lower incisors when the jaw is closed. The most recommended option is to reduce the size of the upper lateral incisors when there is a disproportion with the lower lateral incisors using the stripping technique. This condition is also known as the problem in the Bolton Analysis.
IPR is performed when Bolton discrepancy occurs, which is when the upper incisor is positioned outside the lower incisor, when you want to simulate the physiological wear of the teeth, any skeletal deformity or, the most common, to obtain gaps when positioning within the aesthetic dental line.
Does interproximal reduction damage teeth?
The interproximal reduction risks are minimal if done properly. It is only recommended and applied for patients who need to gain a minimum amount of space in the mouth structure. Patients with mild to moderate crowding can solve the gap problem using this method to remove a small amount of enamel.
If the problem with crowding and the contact area of posterior teeth needs a greater modification of the tooth shape and surface, a more intensive removal or operations may be needed.
Interproximal reduction: pros and cons
In general terms, there are very few cons to interproximal reduction, as long as the treatment is performed by a qualified professional with all the skills necessary for dental IPR. The process is usually very efficient in solving the space problems that patients with common dental crowding have.
However, if you go to a dentist or orthodontist who does not have the necessary knowledge and removes the enamel excessively, the patient may have problems that affect their teeth and long term implications.
Interproximal reduction or extraction: which is a better option?
The difference between interproximal reduction vs tooth extraction is a common topic. Extraction is used in more complex orthodontic cases with quite severe crowding, which is why it's so important to visit a qualified, GDC-registered dentist in-person if you're thinking about getting braces or aligners.
Does IPR teeth stripping hurt?
There can be some side effects to teeth stripping, it can cause increased sensitivity in the teeth exposed to the reduction treatment, as well as the loss of healthy layers or parts of dental structure that are eliminated. This means that interdental stripping can slightly hurt, normally only in the short term.
IPR in orthodontics: before and after
Interproximal enamel reduction as part of orthodontic treatment is common prior to both traditional metal braces and clear invisible aligners. The point is that there is a risk of unsuccessful alignment if interprioximal reduction or extraction is a better option than leaving the crowding as it is.
Is interproximal reduction safe?
At Impress, we take the health of our patients very seriously. That is why we offer an X-ray of your smile during your first visit. In this consultation, we will tell you what your smile needs, as well if you need to have stripping performed.
We encourage you to come visit us so that we can check that you are perfectly fit to start an invisible orthodontic treatment. Call us or get in touch via WhatsApp on +44 20 3808 1072, or make an appointment online.
Citations: 1. https://www.bos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/British-Orthodontic-Society-InterproximalReductionMarch2019.pdf
Updated: April 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about IPR
How safe is IPR?
IPR is safe if the proceedings are conducted by a qualified and experienced professional.
Are there alternative techniques to IPR?
Yes, there are other techniques to obtain space within the dental structure to correctly position the teeth. One of them is the expansion of the arch, which consists of modifying the arch by extending its length. There is also the protrusion of the incisors that, through fixed orthodontics, move the incisor teeth slightly forward to gain the necessary space. And finally, one of the techniques that is often avoided is complete extraction of a tooth.
Can IPR be detrimental to oral health?
No, interproximal reduction must be performed by trained professionals, otherwise it may create future problems due to excessive removal of enamel. If done properly, it is a very conservative procedure that can help us resolve major problems during orthodontic treatment. The process to reduce the enamel in order to obtain space when reorganising the dental structure does not cause any problems for oral health. However, when this treatment is done incorrectly by invading the entire layer of enamel that protects the tooth, it can cause future problems, such as cavities and excessive sensitivity in the teeth.
