IPR Before or After Invisalign?

Question

I have read that dentists are doing IPR (Interproximal Reduction) near the END of Invisalign treatment, but my dentist is proposing doing this FIRST to prepare for the Invisalign.There are several teeth that he wants to take 0.3 mm off of before we start Invisalign trays. Is this a poor choice? Is this dentist attempting to achieve alignment with less trays by doing this? What would you do?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Sometimes when teeth are crowded, IPR cannot be done conservatively due to access.  After teeth have moved, access improves and IPR can be done better.  It is not unusual to do IPR at the beginning, middle AND near the end of treatment.
Every case is different.

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS · Answer

Most dentists would choose to do IPR near the beginning of treatment. It may be prudent to wait until close to the end of treatment, but often in order for some teeth to move IPR must be done to free up the space. In other cases, it is easier to do the IPR after moving the teeth. If you have a question as to when it should be done, talk to the treating dentist, they will be able to give you a reason for postponing it.

Bruce Vafa, DDS · Answer

In most cases, IPR is performed at the beginning of your treatment but your dentist is following the instructions. Check the Clincheck to find out how you like the final stage of Invisalign.

Jennifer Jablow, DDS · Answer

Ipr is done to allow movement when teeth are crowded and not get "locked". If IPR is indicated in your Invisalign prescription, then allow your dentist to at least do minimal reduction and monitor you to make sure you are getting enough movement

IPR Before or After Invisalign?

Answers (4)