What is IPR for Invisalign & What Does it Feel Like?

At your Invisalign consultation – or even at your tray fitting appointment – you may hear 3 letters being mentioned: I.P.R.

The dreaded IPR!

Well, as someone who has had IPR done on all my lower teeth, I can honestly say, you have nothing to worry about.

This article explains IPR (Interproximal Reduction) from my own personal perspective – I’m an Invisalign patient who has had IPR done on multiple occasions on multiple teeth.

I’m not here to give medical advice, I can only explain what it felt like from my own point of reference – this is – sitting in a chair and having my teeth filed by the dentist.

What is IPR (Interproximal Reduction)?

IPR or Interproximal Reduction means removing enamel from the sides of your teeth in order to make room.

Sounds scary right!?

Well, they only really remove fractions of a millimetre of enamel from each tooth, and only where its clinically necessary to do so.

I only needed IPR on all my lower teeth because my upper teeth didn’t need any! 

However, it is a permanent procedure, as enamel that’s been removed is not going to grow back.

See also: 18 Things They Don’t Tell You About Invisalign

Why is IPR necessary?

If you have crowded or crooked teeth, where your teeth overlap or there’s not enough space to easily slide floss in between, then your teeth can’t always be straightened unless space is made first.

That space is created using a technique called IPR (filing in between the teeth – don’t be freaked out!)

Choosing IPR also can also avoid extracting healthy teeth for orthodontics.

During my first consultation for adult braces, the orthodontist wanted to extract 2 teeth, and I refused, which is why I had IPR instead!

IPR is less invasive than extractions, requires no anaesthetic and is over in a few seconds!

What does IPR feel like?

It is a strange sensation, but it does not hurt.

It feels as if someone is using a piece of sandpaper as dental floss in between 2 of your teeth!

Or a nail file.

It sounds a lot worse than it is – seriously! 

I was so worried, but it was over in a few seconds and I barely felt a thing.

How long does IPR take?

For me, it took my dentist about 20-30 seconds per tooth to finish the IPR required.

So, no time at all really!

Does IPR hurt at all?

It doesn’t hurt, but it does feel slightly unusual.

I did not experience any major sensitivity after the procedure.

There is no anaesthesia or numbing involved at all, as its all over so quickly!

How is IPR done?

There are 2 techniques that I’ve experienced when having IPR:

1. The dentist used hand strips of rough floss
2. They used an electric drill called a bur

The ‘drill’ is obviously noisier, but it does not cause more discomfort – in fact – quite the opposite.

I find the bur more gentle than the IPR strips that the dentist used on me.

Either way – whichever method is used, the procedure is just as quick. It’s nothing like having a cavity filled or even having the attachments put on.

Why do some Invisalign Tray packets say ‘IPR’?

Not every treatment plan includes IPR. If yours does, you may need IPR at certain stages of your journey.

If your Invisalign tray says IPR, it means that you’ll need IPR from the dentist before that tray will be able to work properly.

For me, I had several rounds of IPR planned:

• Before tray 1 (2 teeth)
• Before tray 7 (3 teeth)
• Before tray 14 (3 teeth)
• Etc

Some treatment plans may call for you to have all your IPR in one sitting, or spread out like mine.

Does IPR stop black triangles after Invisalign?

Small black triangles or circles between your teeth at the gum line are common.

Most people’s teeth are not perfect rectangles and they flare out towards the edges.

If your oral hygiene is good (and your ‘black triangles’ are not covered in calculus/hard plaque) then black triangles can happen naturally.

IPR aims to reduce to appearance of black triangles in some cases.

Often, straightening previously crooked teeth can cause more black triangles to appear, which should be addressed by your dentist during treatment if this bothers you.

Does IPR make your teeth sensitive?

I can only speak for myself – and the answer is no.

I had some mild sensitivity for a day or so after IPR on one tooth, but I had also changed to a new tray on the same day, so it could have been caused by that.

Do you regret having IPR?

Short answer – No!

Long answer – absolutely not. My lower teeth were crowded and now that crowding can be fixed without pulling out healthy teeth.

That’s all thanks to IPR.

IPR did not affect the appearance of my teeth, but it allowed them to move into a better overall position.

Can You Re-Mineralize After IPR?

It can’t hurt, right?

Re-mineralizing toothpastes and mouthwashes claim to rebuild and strengthen enamel.

So, if you’re concerns about the loss of enamel caused by IPR, consider applying some strong fluoride toothpaste directly to the affected tooth.

Sensodyne Pronamel repair is my go-to choice for a re-mineralizing toothpaste as an Invisalign user.

In Summary

Wrapping up our deep dive into the world of interproximal reduction, it’s clear that while the procedure might sound intimidating at first, it’s a valuable tool in the orthodontic arsenal.

For many, like me, it’s a preferable alternative to more invasive procedures like tooth extractions. The sensation might be a tad unusual, but the quick and painless nature of IPR makes it a breeze for most patients.

After all, the goal is a straighter, more beautiful smile, and sometimes, a little filing here and there is just a part of the process.

So, if you’re about to embark on your own Invisalign journey or are in the midst of it, keep your chin up, trust the process, and always lean on the expertise of your dental professional.

Here’s to confident smiles and the journeys that shape them! 🦷✨