When you begin orthodontic treatment, you may hear your provider mention a technique called interproximal reduction—which doesn’t sound like it has anything to do with metal brackets or clear aligners at all. However, this is actually a fairly common and safe component of many orthodontic treatment plans, and it can ultimately ensure the successful realignment of your teeth and bite! Here’s a closer look at what it is and why it might specifically benefit your smile.
What Exactly Is Interproximal Reduction?
Sometimes abbreviated as “IPR” or “selective reduction,” this treatment is simply used to alter the shape of certain teeth so that future orthodontic treatment can happen correctly. Often, it’s used to create more space between teeth for better alignment and to correct crowding, or to improve a patient’s bite pattern.
There are a few different methods used to accomplish this, and typically, only a minuscule amount of enamel (thinner than the thickness of your fingernail) is removed/altered. Your teeth won’t look or feel any different, though they may feel a tiny bit sensitive afterwards.
Why Might I Need IPR Before Getting Braces or Clear Aligners?
Every smile is unique, and sometimes there simply isn’t enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to align properly. IPR helps address several common orthodontic concerns before the braces even go on, including:
- Crowded teeth – When teeth overlap or are too tightly packed, creating a small amount of space can make it easier to straighten them.
- Bite problems – IPR can help fine-tune how the teeth fit together, improving the function of the smile as well as a patient’s comfort.
- Gaps between teeth – IPR can also help to reshape the contact points between teeth so that these small, triangle-shaped gaps are closed.
This treatment is also preferable to extracting teeth before orthodontic treatment, which is a necessity for some patients. Furthermore, studies have shown that patients who undergo IPR are far less likely to encounter issues like tooth decay and gum disease, on top of all the other benefits that orthodontic treatment offers!
Interproximal reduction might sound complicated, but the process and end-goal are both simple: to carefully alter the teeth so that orthodontic treatment works quite well.
About the Practice
Our Simply Orthodontics team has proudly served the needs of patients in Wayland and the surrounding communities for several years, with Dr. Nina Khedkar leading the way. We offer a wide selection of services, ranging from tried-and-true metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 358-6300.
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