Starting your invisible braces journey is an exciting step towards the smile you have always wanted. Along the way, your dentist may mention something called IPR (Interproximal Reduction). While the term might sound technical, the truth is: it’s a simple, safe, and often helpful part of orthodontic treatment.
Think of IPR as giving your teeth just a little extra “room to breathe,” so they can move into their ideal positions more smoothly. Many patients find that this small adjustment makes their aligner journey more comfortable, predictable, and effective, bringing them closer to a confident, beautifully balanced smile.
In this article, we’ll explain:
By the end, you’ll see that IPR isn’t something to worry about, it’s simply one of the many tools your dentist can use to make sure your invisible braces deliver the best results for your smile! Let's dive in!
So, your dentist mentioned something called "Interproximal Reduction" (IPR), and you’re wondering what it’s all about? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. IPR is actually a pretty common dental procedure, especially if you’re considering invisible braces. But why might you need it? Let’s break it down. If your teeth are crowded, there may not be sufficient space for your teeth to move into alignment. Your teeth will start getting in their own way as they move into new positions. As such, more space needs to be created so that your teeth can shift correctly.
One common dental procedure is Interproximal Reduction (IPR), where small amounts of enamel are removed from the sides of adjacent teeth to create space. This helps to correct crowding or alignment issues by making room for teeth to move into their proper positions. An IPR is performed by your treating dentist using specialised tools, and is considered a safe and effective method for improving dental alignment. Just think of it as a little extra nudge to help your teeth get where they need to be!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating dentist for medical advice specific to your condition. Zenyum does not provide medical advice and our systems are doctor-directed treatments.
The first way is through Interproximal Reduction where your treating dentist may use diamond strips, burs, discs or a specialised tool to gently shave the sides of your teeth and teeth enamel. IPR only shaves off between 0.1 to 0.3 millimetres of your enamel on each side of the tooth. The enamel on your teeth is generally about 2.5 mm thick, so no need to worry about losing it all. For clear aligners, IPR is generally preferred over teeth extraction because your treating dentist has more control over the amount of space created. However, if a substantial amount of space is needed, your treating dentist may recommend teeth extraction instead.
Looking to get started with your clear aligner journey? Take a Zenyum Free Smile Check to get an understanding of your teeth condition. Your treating dentist can then advise if IPR is necessary or not for your Zenyum clear aligner journey!
The second way is to extract a few teeth if more space needs to be created. Before you put on braces, your treating dentist will examine your teeth and advise whether IPR or teeth extraction is required. While IPR shaves off up to a maximum of 0.25 mm of your enamel on each side of your tooth for most cases, if you have very little interproximal enamel, your treating dentist may advise you not to undergo IPR and go down the tooth extraction route instead.
Creating gaps between your teeth may be recommended by your treating dentist based on their analysis of your teeth condition. This also applies for Zenyum clear aligners after consulting with your treating dentist. Your Zenyum aligner journey starts with a simple assessment to understand the current alignment of your teeth and how it can be improved! This sounds scarier than it actually is though! In some cases, extracting a tooth or two might be necessary to create enough space for your other teeth to move. Before you start your braces journey, your dentist will examine your teeth and decide whether IPR or tooth extraction is the way to go.
For most people, IPR is the better option because it’s less invasive, but sometimes, extraction is the best way to achieve that dream smile. Your dentist will guide you on the best course of action, and with Zenyum, you’ll start your clear aligner journey with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what your teeth need.
Both IPR (Interproximal Reduction) and tooth extraction are methods dentists may use to create space for teeth to move into better alignment. While they aim for the same goal, which is making room for a healthier bite and straighter smile, the approaches are very different.
IPR (Interproximal Reduction) is a simple and very common procedure that helps create just the right amount of space for your teeth to move into their ideal positions. During the procedure, your treating dentist will carefully smooth small amounts of enamel from the sides of selected teeth. This can be done using:
This process is painless, and only removes a fraction of the outer enamel, similar to filing a nail. It does not affect the health or strength of your teeth. You may notice tiny gaps between your teeth immediately after IPR, and that’s completely expected. These spaces are what allow your teeth to shift into proper alignment. Once your clear aligner treatment begins, your teeth will gradually move, and those small gaps will close naturally as your smile transforms. (Think of IPR as giving your teeth “elbow room” to move smoothly into place. It’s a quick, precise step that sets you up for the best possible results with your aligners.)
So, sit back and relax in the chair! Your dentist will handle everything with care. And the best part? You’ll walk away knowing your teeth now have the space they need to create a beautifully aligned, confident smile.
Like any dental procedure, IPR comes with its benefits as well as a few considerations. Understanding both sides can help you feel more confident about the process.
IPR is a safe, effective, and widely used orthodontic technique. For most patients, the benefits, especially creating the necessary space for clear aligners to work far outweigh the minimal risks. As always, your dentist will evaluate whether IPR is right for you before recommending it.
The good news is that IPR isn’t painful! There are no nerve endings in the outer enamel of your teeth, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You might notice some light pressure, which feels similar to teeth polishing. And don’t worry about your enamel! Only a very small amount is removed. Most patients do not experience lasting tooth sensitivity, and when performed properly, IPR does not increase your risk of tooth decay. It’s a simple, safe step that helps set you up for the best results with your aligners.
While IPR itself is a straightforward procedure, it’s important to have a trusted expert performing it. Zenyum works with an extensive network of partner dentists to ensure that you get the best Smile Journey experience possible. Most dentists have experience in IPR or would undergo a training programme to familiarise with the system. As part of Zenyum's onboarding process, the dentists undergo a training programme to familiarise with the system. Patients are then given the choice to select which clinic or dentist they would like to start their Zenyum journey with. Patients are encouraged to stay with the same dentist throughout their journey for a holistic treatment.
With Zenyum, you can expect:
At Zenyum, we're committed to providing you with a clear and comfortable path to your dream smile. If you have any further questions about IPR or your Zenyum Smile Journey, don't hesitate to reach out to our team!
Answer a few questions, and take four teeth pictures. It only takes a few minutes!
Receive a call from us to schedule your dentist appointment
You’ll have 3D scans and X-rays taken of your teeth by your dentist
Give the green light for your Zenyum aligners to go into production after approved by your dentist.
