Monday, March 24, 2008

IPR - Interproximal Reduction

IPR, what's that? That's what I thought the first time that I heard it too. It's the formal term for tooth shaving. When you have a crowded mouth they have to make room for the shifting teeth, so they need to slenderize some of them so they can straighten out and fit in. Today, I had this done for the first time. I was a little nervous, however, I read online from other Invisalign wearers that it's not a big deal. And, they were right. There is no pain involved. Just a little concern that some of your teeth are being shaved and your hoping that your orthodontist has a steady hand! I hear that there are two ways for this to be done, one by a drill and the other with floss that is like sand paper. My orthodontist used the drill. It has a small disk at the end of it that she slides between the teeth. I can see a difference where some of the tooth has been removed. She said that she will do a little more at my next visit since a couple of my teeth aren't aligned enough yet.


I just started trays 9 today and I have to say that I am really happy so far! I can really see a difference! Even my husband (who didn't think that I really needed this to begin with) complimented me the other day about how good my teeth are looking. I'm so excited that this is going so well! As long as everything continues to go well, I should be done with this late July. I may need a few refinements, because my orthodontist claims that she is a perfectionist and that's okay with me. When you pay this much for something, you want perfection!


16 comments:

Dragon (Karen) said...

Your teeth are looking great!

I've had IPR done both manually and with the small disk, and both were pain free and easy. I have traditional type braces, and IPR is much better than having a tooth removed, and then having to close a bigger gap than is needed.

Good luck with your great progress!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the blog Sharon...it is very helpful. I will be getting mine soon and have a couple of questions. How bad was/is the speech when wearing the aligners? How noticeable are they? I appreciate your feedback!!

Sam

Sharon said...

It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Check out my earlier blogs. I have a video posted of me speaking in them after having them for the first 10 minutes of wearing them. Best of luck with you Invisalign!

-steo-b- said...

your teeth are turning out lovely i am getting invisalign after seeing this because i have always been concious of my teeth even though every says there not bad thank you forletting me see a mormal person unlike the actors and actresses in all the adds

thanks

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon,
Just discovered your blog. Very helpful. I am on7/19UL.
Any updates coming soon?
Thanks,

samantha b. said...

Hi Sharon!

I'm a Jr. in highschool and am just starting the process with invisalign. I just went to the Orthodontist today and made molds to send to Invisalign, and am anxious to see results at the end. I will say that watching your videos on youtube and reading the blog helped me to make my decision. Its encouraging to see that it actually works. Its interesting that plastic trays can move your teeth in that way.

Thanks,
Samantha

LisaShawn said...

I had the interproximal reduction on Wed on four teeth. My teeth are still very sore, two days afterwards. Has anyone had the experience?

Unknown said...

Sharon, after looking at so many photos of your mouth, I am in love with it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon!
I first found you on Youtube and then recently discovered you had a blog. I just started invisalign on Tuesday (3 days ago) and so far so good. Your videos helped me decide.Do you know if getting the IPR gives you a greater risk of getting cavities? I have had it done once and will need it 4 more times to some other teeth through my treatment. Anyway, your teeth are looking fantastic and hope mine turn out well too! I have about a year or a little more..so next summer hopefully I'll have perfect straight teeth!!
Rebekah

Anonymous said...

Sharon,
I was told that the IPR will change the ratio of your teeth? It will make them longer and skinnier looking. Have you noticed much difference? If I get Invisalign I will have to have the front 4 teeth shaved to make room. I am worried that they will look a little odd. Did your dentist deal with this or talk to you about it?

Anonymous said...

Hey Sharon, your teeth look awesome!!! I'm going for an invisalign consultation in a few days. I was just wondering how bad the taste was of the mold stuff the put in your mouth, and how long do you have to keep it in your mouth?! Thanks SO much!
P.S. I'm 14 years old! :)

Anonymous said...

I just started my tray 7 and they shaved a little of my teeth with something that looks like sandpaper. My teeth were never that horrible, but I am glad that I used Invisalign. I can open my mouth wider and I feel better about myself.

Christina said...

Hi Sharon, I just began invisalign 6 weeks ago and am currently on tray 3. Your blog has been very motivating for me being that I have 28 more trays to go (lol). I am scheduled for IPR for the end of January 2010 and I am hoping that goes as smoothly as it did for you!

Anonymous said...

hi sharon! just wondered how far into your treatment did you get the interproximal reduction? did you wear braces? i have braces and at the start of wearing braces they gave me a leaflet saying i was getting interproximal reduction but didnt tell me when how far in did you get yours?

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm getting IPR as opposed to having 4 teeth removed, prior to getting braces. I am very sensitive to pain, so will it hurt if the disk touches my gums? I was told that some aenaesthetic would be smeared on my guns first. Also, is it true that the enamel will never grow back and the sides of the teeth will be left vulnerable? Please reply to hoihoi1232006@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

hi I am just about to do this, we have simular starting teeth, which ones needed shaving?