Interproximal Reduction (IPR), also called stripping, slenderizing, and enamel reduction, is used to eliminate crowding on posterior and anterior teeth. IPR is most commonly used in conjunction with teeth straightening techniques. This is done by filing away some of the enamel between teeth to allow for proper realignment. Since enamel has no nerve endings, this procedure does not require any numbing or anesthetics. Once started, IPR only takes a few minutes to complete. If multiple teeth are to be filed, some professionals choose to break up the sessions. There are several tools used during this procedure, but the dental disc is most commonly used for filing more than 0.1 millimeters from a given tooth.
Quality Dental Products
Dental discs have become an essential tool for IPR over the years. Most discs are made with a section of fine or medium grit diamond that is used to file away the enamel when rotated at various speeds. These discs are attached to a hand tool and used to add precision and ease to this procedure. Discs with the diamond grit present on either side of the disc are considered single-sided, and those with grit on both sides are double-sided. Choosing grit, single, or double-sided discs and rotations per minute all depends on the needs of the patient. A well-equipped team has multiple discs available at all times. These products can typically be cleaned, sterilized, and reused.
It is important to keep a variety of high-quality discs available for treatment and know how to use them. Low-quality discs tend to be much thinner overall and become permanently bent over time. There are discs designed specifically for certain materials such as ceramic, acrylics, porcelain, and plaster. For consistent IPR results, find a trusted, certified manufacturer that will provide durable and safe discs that can be used time and time again.
