How Much IPR Can Be Done to One Tooth?

Question

A disadvantage of using a big ortho group. Finished invisalign; had refinement to close a black triangle between2 front teeth. Different ortho did IPR the entire length of tooth vs. the lower 1/3; evidently she didn't know plan. Didn't close triangle; looks the same. Ortho now says to have more IPR. They already shaved .5mm. How much IPR can one tooth have? How risky is this? ANy other options besides bonding/veneers?

Raj Kumar, BDS, LDSRCS · Answer

The black triangle space that you have is because you have 2 triangular teeth sitting close to each other and only contacting at the tip. The bone and soft tissue is also missing due to the initial crowding.

	Whether you have 1-2 mm of enamel, it is not advisable to do more than 1mm IPR between 2 teeth. This allows the triangular contact points to be separated and the teeth brought closer together. The space may never be closed unless you want rectangular teeth as a result.

	Too close and the roots may impinge on the bony separation and cause further gum shrinkage.

	I never do more than 0.5mm  IPR in most cases and only when the teeth are nearly straight or there is a blindingly obvious big space present.

	Your problem is not solved with IPR the length of the tooth, but only the half close to the biting edge.

	send me a picture and I will advise

Jacqueline Demko, DDS, MSD · Answer

Your Dr best knows how much can be taken off. The enamel is thick and .5mm is not much. It seems a consultation is needed so you can feel comfortable with your treatment.

	its your teeth so ask questions

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

Teeth generally have 1.5-2 mm of enamel on them so you can safely do more than .5mm of IPR on a tooth.  Removing black triangles can be tricky though.  You can also consider veneers or bonding.

Jean D. Morency, DMD · Answer

In most Invisalign cases I have seen IPR (interproximal reduction) in the range of .6 to 1 mm depending on the location and position of the  tooth.  In some teeth you can remove as much as 1 to 2 mm (such as maxillary central incisors), without affecting the health of the tooch.

	If there is a black triangle, you cannot just  shave the .lower third of the tooth.  You have to create a space between the two teeth so you can move them closer to each other.

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS · Answer

Although your question doesn't indicate whether the "black triangle" was on the upper or lower, I assume that the upper front teeth is the problem area. If you are saying that .5mm was removed on each tooth, that seems more than is typical of Invisalign cases.  However, IPR can be done safely to remove the majority of the enamel (as there still is some enamel remaining for protection) which would be at least 2mm thick at the contact area of each of the upper central incisors.  So doubling the IPR of .5 mm still should be no problem.  Other questions remain in terms of esthetics, relating to the size and shape of the central incisor teeth as well as the adjacent teeth to create the best result, however your question of the safety of additional IPR is at least answered.

How Much IPR Can Be Done to One Tooth?

Answers (5)

Answer: EXCESSIVE IPR ?

Answer: EXCESSIVE IPR ?

Answer: Extensive IPR can safely be done

Answer: Extensive IPR can safely be done

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.

How Much IPR Can Be Done to One Tooth?

Answers (5)

Answer: EXCESSIVE IPR ?

Answer: EXCESSIVE IPR ?

Answer: Extensive IPR can safely be done

Answer: Extensive IPR can safely be done

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.