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.

What is IPR for Invisalign?

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. 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.

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 as whether you need to have stripping performed. The actual procedure is painless and a standard one to prepare the teeth by creating space prior to teeth straightening, regardless of whether you will use braces or aligners.

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.

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.

Can I refuse IPR?

If your orthodontist recommends IPR before your treatment, it's based on their recommendations following a thorough evaluation of how to achieve the best results from your treatment. Refusing it and doing the treatment without it is not recommended.

Does interproximal reduction hurt?

There can be some side effects of 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 the dental structure that are eliminated. This means that interdental stripping can slightly hurt, normally only in the short term.

Why would I need IPR from the dentist?

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.

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.

We encourage you to come visit us so that we can check your suitability for aligner treatment at Impress. The orthodontic evaluation is free, and you'll leave knowing exactly which steps are needed to ensure the best outcomes for invisible orthodontic treatment.

Call us or get in touch via WhatsApp on +44 20 3808 1072, or make an appointment online.