Is There a Way That Enamel Lost from Interproximal Reduction (IPR) Can Be Regrown?

Question

I had Invisalign for a brief period but wasn't happy with how things were looking but I had already undergone some IPR. My orthodontist who designed my invisalign also had declared bankruptcy and essentially ran away with his patients money. I decided to just stop my treatment rather than pay more to a new doctor, and my case wasn't even that bad (just a mild overbite and jaw shifting to one side a little). I feel really bad that I had the IPR because I think it was unnecessary.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

The reason dentists place fillings is because enamel cannot grow back.  It is likely that IPR was necessary for your case to work, as this is a very common process in orthodontics.  Usually, the amount is so minor that you should not worry.

	Be sure to not be quick to judge treatment in the middle of the process.  Often, things get worse before they get better.  If you go back to orthodontics, trust in the dentist or orthodontist and let things happen.  Feel free to ask questions, but be prepared for things to look worse at some point.

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

If the spaces bother you you might qualify for a retainer that can close those spaces or you could restart your case with a smaller fee from another orthodontist...

M. Andrew Atwood, DDS · Answer

The IPR shouldn't cause any long term problems. Didn't the orthodontist who delivered the case have the rest of the trays that he could give you or transfer to another dentist? Usually IPR isn't done until the case is ready to deliver. That would be ideal if you could get a hold of the dentist and see if a transfer can be done.

	Also even when there is a bankruptcy, the practitioner is still obligated to finish treatment that has begun per his/her state dental license. If they don't finish treatment they should be accomodating to help you find another dentist. There are patient abandonment laws that prevent a practitioner from abandoning a patient who is being treated by him even if he is no longer financially responsible for the treatment anymore. Good Luck.

Marcus Whitmore, DDS · Answer

Sorry, but it is not possible to tooth structure to "grow back".

	You basically have two good options:

	1. continue with orthodontics, either traditional braces or clear aligners

	or

	2. Have your teeth restored with either composite or porcelain

	It is truly unfortunate that you had this bad experience, but you do 

	have good options.

	Marcus Whitmore, DDS

	Dallas, TX

Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD · Answer

Unfortunately, enamel can't be grown back once removed. If done properly, IPR is no threat to your teeth because it removes only a small fraction of the enamel on the sides of the teeth.  Often MUCH more enanmel is lost from the tops of the teeth just from everyday chewing and function.  However, now that the IPR has been done you should see an orthodontist to finish the treatment -- with either Invisalign or braces -- so that the space created by the IPR is not lost.  If you simply let the teeth drift on their own the space will disappear, and then will be unavailable to use to resolve any remaining crowding of teeth

Is There a Way That Enamel Lost from Interproximal Reduction (IPR) Can Be Regrown?

Answers (7)

Answer: Re-growing Enamel

Answer: Re-growing Enamel

Answer: IPR and enamel loss during Invisalign treatment

Answer: IPR and enamel loss during Invisalign treatment

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is There a Way That Enamel Lost from Interproximal Reduction (IPR) Can Be Regrown?

Answers (7)

Answer: Re-growing Enamel

Answer: Re-growing Enamel

Answer: IPR and enamel loss during Invisalign treatment

Answer: IPR and enamel loss during Invisalign treatment

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.