What happens after orthodontic treatment if your teeth don’t fit together properly? The truth is, your teeth aren’t as smooth as you think. There are bumps and crevices in your enamel. Smoothing these out allows your teeth to sit flush with each other. This is where IPR comes in.
Let’s take a look at IPR and answer a few common questions about it.
What is IPR? It stands for Interproximal Reduction, the smoothing of the tooth enamel between teeth. These rough spots may keep teeth from fitting together perfectly, creating gaps between your teeth. Eliminating these spots helps your teeth fit together better and gives you a better smile.
Braces and Invisalign move your teeth into their proper positions, but they may not fit together perfectly without IPR. It also makes it easier to floss and creates a smooth surface that makes it harder for plaque to cling.
IPR is done with one or more tools designed to sand down and then polish your enamel. Don’t worry — we don’t remove enough to endanger the dentin and pulp within.
No, IPR doesn’t hurt. It’s much like sanding a piece of wood to remove the rough surface and the splinters. There are no nerves in the enamel, so it won’t hurt. You might feel a bit of heat from the friction of the tools rubbing against the enamel, but we will use a water spray to cool it down.
You may feel pressure between your teeth while we polish the sides of your teeth. But it shouldn’t hurt.
The best time to get IPR is during your orthodontic treatment, so your braces or Invisalign can line up your teeth side by side once it’s done, and you won’t have any gaps between your teeth.
Once your teeth are smooth, your braces or clear aligners will continue to move your teeth into place and close the gaps.
Will I know whether I need IPR at the start of my orthodontic treatment?
It’s difficult to know how your teeth will come together and whether IPR will be needed at the beginning, but we’ll be able to see it as your treatment progresses.
When will I see the gaps disappear after IPR treatment?
With braces, they can disappear within a few weeks. With Invisalign, it might take a few set changes before you see a difference.
Will my teeth be sensitive after IPR treatment?
No, we won’t take enough enamel off to make your teeth permanently sensitive.
If you are interested in IPR or orthodontic treatment in Royal Oak, MI, schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics. We’ll be happy to set up a consultation with you.
Home
Design, video, photo, and branding by Clear Partnering Group.
