If you are considering braces, your dentist may have told you your teeth will have to be shaved to create the space needed, avoiding extraction of teeth. Don’t be alarmed. As we will explain, the Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester finds this technique to be an excellent and pain-free solution for patients who want their teeth straightened and a great new smile with the minimum of intrusion.
1. What is IPR?
The technical term for creating space between teeth is called interproximal reduction, known simply as IPR. Teeth are shaved, removing minute slithers of enamel from the sides of the teeth. The amount of enamel removed is barely noticeable to the untrained eye.
2. Why Create Space Between Teeth?
Put quite simply, there are three reasons IPR may be carried out by your dentist.
- IPR creates the space required between teeth to make it possible for teeth to be straightened using braces.
- IPR is performed to avoid the need for extraction of teeth in an overcrowded mouth.
- IPR is used to reshape teeth. Some teeth can look too broad, or be misshapen. Where teeth are too close together and it is impossible to floss, a little space can be created with IPR.
3. Can All Teeth Have IPR?
Provided the teeth are healthy, and there is plenty of enamel, IPR will help by shaving a little from the teeth. We must stress this must be the minimal amount, but it can make a huge difference. It is important to keep the teeth symmetric, especially the two front teeth. If IPR is used to reshape one tooth, it follows that its pair will need to be reshaped too.
4. What Alternatives Are There?
If space is required to fit your braces and you do not want IPR, it may be necessary to extract teeth. Never be tempted to try and file your teeth! It requires skill and the correct tools, or this can be painful and do untold damage.
5. How Is The Space Created?
With IPR, the dentist first diagnoses the problem and makes a plan. X-ray analysis determines the amount of enamel on each tooth before IPR is considered. The health and condition of the teeth will also be assessed before treatment begins.
With an overcrowded mouth, where the teeth are misaligned, the dentist will first determine the amount of space that is needed for the teeth to be able to rotate and straighten. In some cases, only a few teeth will need IPR, in others, many teeth will need treatment to allow for movement when the braces are fitted. The dentist will measure and record how much space will be created before fitting your braces.
Oral hygiene and meticulous brushing and cleaning with fluoride are essential following IPR for the enamel to rebuild. A little enamel removed from your teeth can make your teeth more susceptible to decay if you neglect your dental hygiene routine and frequent visits to the hygienist.
Anything we haven’t covered on creating space for braces? Post your comment below and we’ll make sure to answer.