There are many uses of interproximal reduction in orthodontics. There are also many different names. Some of the names include:

• Interproximal Reduction (IPR)
• Stripping
• Polishing or Interproximal Polishing
• Filing

IPR can be used to assist with the resolution of crowding or to assist with balancing a tooth mass discrepancy. IPR can also be used to reduce dark triangles (exposed gingival embrasures) that occur when previously overlapped teeth are aligned and there is bone loss between the teeth. By creating the space the teeth can be moved closer together so as to reduce the width of the dark triangle.

Patients can become fearful when they hear, “polishing between the teeth.” This short film highlighting IPR illustrates just how easy it is. In many instances it takes just a few seconds in order to complete the IPR between two teeth.

Did you know that today there are a number of ways in which you can speed up orthodontic treatment? One way of increasing the the rate of tooth movement is with Propel therapy. By making small osteoperforations with Propel’s patented device, a biological response is stimulated which can reduce treatment time by as much as 50%. At first glance the process appears to be invasive. Contrary to initial impressions, the treatment is extremely simple and essentially painless. This is a short video which depicts each stage of Propel therapy. The steps include:

Disinfection with an antimicrobial rinse
• Anesthesia with a topical anesthetic
• Propel Therapy

To find out more you can visit the Propel Orthodontic website.