In this article, we will go over Interproximal reduction FAQs - Questions & Answers
Interproximal reduction is a procedure that files the surface down (reduction) between two adjacent teeth. Interproximal refers to the contact between two adjacent teeth. This procedure can be recommended when contact between two teeth prevents the desired orthodontic movement.
Q: If the case presents IPR, when should I start doing it?
A: IPR is built into the treatment plan to start prior to delivering aligner 1.
Q: Should I do all the IPR requested at once?
A: If the amount of IPR is 0.2mm or less, it can be performed all at once, if the amount of IPR exceeds 0.2mm, it is recommended to do it gradually along with the treatment plan, to avoid making the patient feel uncomfortable or create a place for the food to be stuck in there.
Q: How do I measure how much IPR I have performed?
A: With the IPR gauges, the gauges are metal strips to have more control on the reduction. These gauges can be sterilized in a steam autoclave, dry heat autoclave, or in a chemical cold sterile set.
Q: What do I use to perform the IPR?
A: IPR could be performed with:
- IPR strips
- Mosquito burs
- Low-speed handpiece disc.
The important aspect is to always try to preserve the anatomy, IPR strips provide that control, if a bur or disc is used, it is better to finish the removal with strips to avoid sharp edges and straight cuts.
Q: Where is the IPR performed?
A: Only in the mesial or distal contact area.
Q: Do I need to perform all the IPR suggested on the Smile Summary?
A: When the IPR is more than 0.02mm, we recommend stopping the IPR process 0.01mm before getting to the total amount requested, and for that moment on, check the IP contacts on every appointment and just make that remaining 0.01mm if needed.
YouTube Video – Applying IPR with Strips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=471vLZM3VcM
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