Interproximal Reduction

Interproximal reduction has been studied during orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 with permanent teeth. It is also described for mild to moderate crowding and anterior appearance after alignment.

A review described minor papillary incisions during stripping that patients did not describe as painful. Protecting the tissues between teeth is part of the technique when enamel is reduced.

The procedure has potential effects on enamel and gum tissues, which is why the systematic reviews assessed enamel integrity, periodontal health and tooth-width changes. A protective wire, separator or wedge can reduce the chance of gingival injury.

Interproximal reduction changes enamel surfaces rather than being a removable appliance with a replacement cycle. The children and adolescent review examined enamel integrity, gum health and dimensional changes after the procedure.

The published technique describes protecting the soft tissues, reducing selected contact surfaces, then polishing the enamel. Both oscillating and manual strips have been compared as systems for interproximal enamel reduction.

The clinical review of younger patients focused on outcomes after interproximal reduction, including enamel integrity, periodontal health and dimensional changes. Follow-up belongs to the orthodontic treatment rather than to a separate healing phase.

For mild to moderate crowding, the review names extraction and expansion as alternatives to grinding between teeth. Other orthodontic methods may use tooth movement rather than interproximal enamel reduction.

The work is carried out at the contact areas between teeth. The process can include a wire, separator or wedge near the gums for protection, followed by enamel reduction and polishing.

Interproximal reduction can be part of non-extraction orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate crowding. It is an alternative to extraction or expansion procedures in that setting.