Orthodontic IPR allows the dentist to gain some space to move the patient’s teeth effectively. Usually, this procedure is performed with diamond discs or reciprocating interproximal strips.
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Orthodontic treatments are more than just bonding brackets to the teeth and using archwires to align the teeth. Orthodontists are trained to perform a wide range of procedures to help improve the patient's condition and align the teeth regardless of the case complexity.
On many occasions, the dentist needs to perform special preparations to ensure the case's success. This can include extracting some teeth to gain enough space to align the dental arch properly or making interproximal reductions (IPR).
While there are different methods to perform an orthodontic IPR, the use of a specific handpiece equipped with interproximal strips has become the most reliable and safe alternative.
Orthodontic IPR stands for interproximal reduction. It is a specialized technique employed by the dentist. It consists of wearing down a small portion of the teeth enamel located in the interproximal area.
This technique allows the dentist to create more room for the teeth to move freely in the desired position. This is only possible as the width of the teeth is reduced by 0.2 to 0.5 mm.
Orthodontic IPR is usually done at the beginning or during the orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, this technique is often reserved for patients who have moderate malocclusion. It also helps avoid performing teeth extractions for orthodontic reasons.
Nowadays, orthodontic IPR is mainly done using a specialized type of letsoho.
Unlike a regular handpiece, this specialized model performs reciprocating movements instead of rotary movements. Therefore, the strip connected to it moves back and forth at high speed instead of rotating over its axis.
This orthodontic IPR handpiece must be connected to a micromotor to operate. Afterward, specialized types of strips should be placed on the head of the handpiece.
These handpiece strips work like regular strips. The rough texture of the strip wears down the enamel as the dentist moves it back and forth against the tooth. However, the handpiece allows the dentist to perform the procedure more quickly.
The strips come with different types of grit. Each grit can be done for multiple purposes. Strips with larger grit can be used to wear down the enamel faster, while small grit can smooth and polish the surface.
The high-speed reciprocation provided by the handpiece wear downs the enamel faster than with manual methods. It also gives more control and precision.
After connecting the handpiece, the dentist only needs to position the strip in the interproximal area of the teeth to be reduced. Then, the device can be activated by just pressing the pedal.
The dentist can also perform the orthodontic IPR with a diamond disc and a regular sesebelisoa sa letsoho sa micromotor. However, this method is less safe and more complex.
