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Your orthodontist is considering carrying out a procedure on your teeth called interproximal reduction or IPR. The following information will help you to understand the benefits and risks of this procedure.
IPR is the selective removal of a very small amount of enamel from a predetermined number of teeth and has been used in orthodontics for many years. It is possible to reduce the width of certain teeth by up to ½ mm.
This technique enables the orthodontist to gain space to move crowded teeth and improve the contours of teeth so they fit together better during Invisalign and braces treatment.
Your orthodontist needs to gain enough space in order to straighten your teeth and improve your bite. If the space required is small, then it can be achieved by interproximal reduction of several teeth. This could avoid the need for extracting teeth. It can also be done to reshape teeth.
The enamel is removed by using either:
1. Your doctor will identify which teeth are to be slenderized.
2. Enamel is removed from the sides of each tooth, where the tooth comes in contact with neighbouring teeth.
3. Your orthodontist carefully removes the desired amount of enamel, leaving each tooth with sufficient enamel to remain healthy and sound.
4. In performing enamel reduction, the doctor carefully creates needed space that will allow teeth to be moved with Invisalign or braces treatment so that the bite is improved and the teeth are well aligned.
Interproximal reduction takes only a few minutes and is usually spread over several visits.
No. Enamel is the material that makes up the outer shell of our teeth. It does not contain any nerves and so no discomfort is felt. As only a very thin layer of enamel is removed, no anaesthetic is required. You may, however, feel a strange pulling/pushing pressure during the procedure.
No. The orthodontist will only remove the minimum amount of enamel required to get your teeth straight. Each tooth will be left with enough enamel to continue to remain healthy and sound. Studies have shown that the decay rates of teeth that have had interproximal reduction are no higher than normal teeth.
No. Some patients, however, may experience some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks but this usually returns to normal within a few days.
No. The procedure does not make your teeth more at risk of gum disease. It is important for you to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Plaque can collect more readily on teeth that have undergone interproximal reduction if the tooth surface is not smoothed and polished by the orthodontist afterward.
If you have any further questions that you feel you would like to ask, then please write them down and bring them with you to your next appointment. It is important that you fully understand what is involved in having the procedure of interproximal enamel reduction before you decide to go ahead.
