In orthodontics, IPR stands for Interproximal Reduction. It refers to a procedure where small amounts of enamel are gently removed from between the teeth to crate space. This is often done to help with alignment, improve the bite, or facilitate the movement of teeth during orthodontic treatment.
Here's why and how it's used:
Why IPR is performed:
1. Create Space: When there's crowding of teeth, IPR can create enough space for the teeth to align properly.
2. Improve Bite: It can help adjust the way the upper and lower teeth come together, improving occlusion.
3. Aesthetic Reasons: Sometimes, it's used to make the teeth appear straighter by reducing slight overlaps.
How it's done:
. Selective Shaping: The dentist or orthodontist uses specialized instruments to remove a small amount of enamel from the contact points between teeth (the areas where teeth touch each other.) The procedure is usually quick, painless, and minimally invasive.
. Safety: The amount of enamel removed is very small and typically doesn't affect the tooth's overall structure or strength.
IPR is often used as an alternative to extracting teeth in cases where extra space is needed for alignment, though the decision to use IPR depends on the individual patient's case.