“Crowding” is one of the primary reasons people seek out orthodontic treatment. Sometime there is simply not enough room for all of your teeth to align. One way we create space at Fishbein Orthodontics is a method called interproximal reduction; often referred to as IPR. This is a common procedure that polishes the sides of the teeth to create the adequate space to align the teeth. The word ‘interproximal’ refers to the space that exists between the teeth.
With interproximal reduction, space is created with a flexible dental strip or various rotating disks. Your orthodontist will reduce the minimum tooth structure possible, keeping your best dental health in mind. The teeth are then smoothed and polished, and we will sometimes recommend a fluoride rinse to maintain the well-being of your teeth.
The procedure is not painful, as there are no nerve endings on the outer surface of the teeth. Studies show that there is no increased risk of sensitivity or cavities using interproximal reduction. We usually hear about our patient’s appreciation for keeping their teeth and avoiding the discomfort of any extractions.
After interproximal reduction is performed, your teeth will have the space necessary to align with either traditional braces or Invisalign treatment. With IPR, the necessary space closure is significantly less than with extraction and treatment time is generally shorter with IPR then with tooth extractions.
We encourage you to contact us for an appointment online in the Pensacola, Navarre, Perido, and Pace area, Also be sure to visit our website for more information on Invisalign and to meet our 2016 Best of the Bay team.
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