Table of Contents

#1 What is IPR?

#2 How it is done?

#3 How do I know if I’ll need IPR?

#4 How will my teeth move without IPR?

Straightening crooked teeth requires movement, and to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted your teeth will need some space to move into. With Straight Teeth Direct™, the aligners are specially designed to create space through expansion. However, with some other brands of aligners, if your mouth doesn’t naturally have enough space there is a another safe and predictable method that can create more space, called IPR, or interproximal reduction. IPR is commonly used in orthodontic treatments to create extra space so the teeth can move into the desired position without having healthy ones extracted.

#1 What is IPR?

It’s actually a simple process that involves smoothing the sides of  your teeth very slightly to create space so you can get the very best results from your aligners. Your dentist or orthodontist will use a polishing strip to polish away a tiny amount of enamel from between the teeth, creating a space that is barely noticeable unless you look very closely. This means there is no friction between the teeth and space is created for them to align into.

#2 How it is done?

Your dentist or orthodontist will use a smoothing strip or handpiece to remove a small amount of enamel (0.2mm – 0.5mm) from between your teeth. With some other brands of aligners you may be told that you have 3.5mm of over tooth crowding on your lower teeth, you might be recommend 1mm of IPR (0.2mm removed between your 5 front teeth) to allow 12 aligners to comfortable move and straighten the teeth.

Though it might sound very technical, it is a routine process that will be done at a dental clinic and it doesn’t hurt, it’s just a weird feeling.

#3 How do I know if I’ll need IPR?

Once you have completed your free e-consultation and submitted your teeth photos, you’ll receive your results and be told if you are suitable for at home teeth straightening with clear aligners. If the answer is yes, it means you won’t need IPR before your at home aligners are shipped to you. This also means that you’ll be able to improve your smile completely remotely without the need for regular physical visits.

The dentist assigned to your case on the app will have access to your submitted dental records and clear aligner plan, so you will have the peace of mind of knowing that they have full knowledge of your case.

#4 How will my teeth move without IPR?

Advanced aligner technology used at Straight Teeth Direct™ means your teeth will be moved by expanding your arch without the need for clinical visits. Your jaw shape will be slightly widened to create space for the teeth to move into and to achieve a beautiful natural result without the need for teeth filling or extractions.

To find out if you could get straight teeth without IPR and monthly visits, upload your photos for a professional review via your free e-consultation.