You may have heard your orthodontist mention that you need an ‘interproximal reduction.’ The name sounds intimidating, but don’t panic. It’s a more than standard procedure in dentistry.
Here’s a rundown of all you need to know about interproximal reduction: what it is and why it’s used in orthodontics.
What is Interproximal Reduction (IPR) in Dentistry?
Interproximal reduction or ‘tooth stripping’ is a technique dentists use to alter the shape, size, or position of one or more teeth.
Let’s imagine your care provider has some sort of dental sandpaper (similar to the real tool for the procedure). They’ll rub the coarse surface of this strip against the side of your tooth to reduce its width slightly. This creates space for them to:
Expand your dental arch
Correct protruding front teeth
Reduce gaps between triangular teeth
Take a peek at the video below for a live-action example of an interproximal reduction procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=471vLZM3VcM
Interproximal Reduction and Invisible Teeth Aligners
For the most part, interproximal reduction is an orthodontic procedure. It’s hard to believe that such a small gap has any effect on your alignment, but it makes a world of difference.
Orthodontists use tooth stripping mainly to correct minor overcrowding. IPR works best when the abandoned tooth sits just inside your palate. The specialist will shrink the enamel just enough so the inner tooth can move forward and into your main arch.
On other occasions, stripping orthodontics can alter the shape of teeth to close a gap. For example, your dentist may reshape your triangular teeth to make better contact when you bite.
Then, there are instances where your upper and lower incisors don’t match at the midline of your face. Whenever you smile, there should be a clear-cut separation following the tip of your nose down to the center point of your chin. It’s as if it splits your face into equal left and right parts. But not everyone’s teeth create that line naturally.
Your dentist can trim the sides of your front teeth and then use aligners to get them to a more centered position.
Interproximal Reduction Before and After
*On the left, is an example picture of an interproximal reduction*
Before starting interproximal reduction, your dentist will need to assess the health of that particular tooth. Primarily, they’ll test whether you’ve been experiencing sensitivity from that area. Maybe you’ll feel a shock when they apply cold air. On the other hand, you might recall some discomfort from the tooth when you last ate something hot.
These answers are crucial to proceed because IPR requires the dentist to remove a layer of enamel, however thin it may be. If you’re already experiencing sensitivity, it may not be a good idea to go stripping out more protective enamel. Otherwise, it could aggravate your condition.
Though your tooth may be slightly smaller after the procedure, the difference will be hardly noticeable as it realigns with the rest of your teeth.
Interproximal Reduction Pros and Cons
Advantages of Orthodontic Stripping
Sometimes, dentists will recommend you extract teeth that have been affected by overcrowding. Interproximal reduction is a less invasive alternative to surgically removing a tooth - that’s something most patients would smile about.
Moreover, interproximal reduction can be completed in a single dentist appointment. This may be convenient if you’re not a fan of the dentist’s office or suffer from pre-visit anxiety.
Interproximal reduction side effects
The main disadvantages of orthodontic stripping are the increased possibility for cavities and tooth sensitivity.
Specialists are trained to remove only a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface. Anything beyond safe guidelines could expose more sensitive parts of the teeth. The further you strip, the close you’ll be to the dentin.
Following the reduction, your dentist should smoothen and polish any rough edges on the stripped surface. Food can get stuck in uneven grooves and encourage bacterial growth and caries.
However, either of these side effects is unlikely if the procedure’s performed by a professional.
Is Interproximal Reduction Necessary?
It might be for you. Our team at Linea Clear will work with you to determine whether orthodontic stripping is best for your case. Every mouth is different, so there’s no way of telling without an evaluation.
Ready to start your invisible aligners journey? Start with an e-consultation with Linea Clear. No worries -- we’ll walk you through the process. Before you know it, you’ll be wearing the smile of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does interproximal reduction hurt?
It’s typical to worry if IPR is painful. We’ll have you know that it’s not. In fact, it requires no anesthetic. Your dentist will only be removing a tiny layer of enamel from your tooth. That means they’ll be working far away from your nerve, where all the ‘feelings’ are.
Does interproximal reduction damage teeth?
No. The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. It’s also quite thick and does a great job at protecting your teeth. Your orthodontist won’t be stripping off more than half a millimeter of your tooth. The chance of any tooth damage is slim to none.
How much interproximal reduction is safe?
According to professional guidelines, your dentist is safe to remove anywhere between 0.2 to 0.5 mm of enamel without aggravating any adverse side effects. Be sure to visit a certified specialist to perform this procedure with the best result possible.
Will I need interproximal reduction for braces?
Possibly. Interproximal reduction can apply for both transparent aligner and braces patients. One of our Linea Clear specialists can help you determine whether you’ll need to perform orthodontic tooth stripping for your treatment. Let’s set up a consult!
Which is better, interproximal reduction vs. extraction?
Interproximal reduction is a more convenient technique for orthodontic treatment. Many patients are afraid of needles and extractions due to bad experiences in the past. Of course, there are instances when an extraction is the best option. Your dentist will brief you on your available options.
Comments