Is Filing Between Teeth at the Beginning of Invisalign Treatment Typical Practice?

My 15 year old daughter has just started Invisalign treatment. Is it typical to manually file between certain teeth to make space for movement? Is this done with metal braces, as well? Are there any adverse consequences to this technique?

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age 17 or under filing normal side effects

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by sweetpea44

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"Filing" between teeth may be due to a tooth size discrepancy

Filing between teeth or IPR (Interproximal Reduction is what we dentists call it) is commonly done when the size of the combined front teeth, upper or lower, does not match well with the opposite dental arch. The slight reduction generally is accomplished on a number of teeth (to reduce the amount needed on any one tooth) with small amounts taken from between the teeth where they contact each other. This serves the purpose of 'matching' the two opposing dental arches so either... more

IPR before invisalign

What you are describing is called IPR (interproximal reduction) and it is normal in order to create some space for the teeth to move. Nothing to be concerned with.

IPR is normal

While it may seem odd, most cases need some form of space management. Sometimes teeth are extracted, but often just some polishing of sides of teeth is enough. This is true for both Invisalign and regular braces.

Interproximal reduction is common for orthodontic treatment

In order to create space for the teeth without extraction, one of the methods used is to create space between the teeth by a process called interproximal reduction (IPR). It is a safe procedure when done properly, and has been shown many years out to not cause sensitivity or predisposition to cavities. Whether treatment is with Invisalign or braces should not make a difference in the amount of space required. Therefore, if you are having IPR with Invisalign, it... more