After my first few weeks with clear aligners, it was time for the next step in my smile journey: interproximal reduction (IPR). I’ll admit, the name sounded a little intimidating at first, and I wasn’t sure what the appointment would involve. If you’re wondering whether IPR hurts or what actually happens, here’s my honest experience from my appointment at Urban Smile Hawthorn.
Previously: My First 24 Hours with Clear Aligners
Next: My Refinement Appointment
What is IPR & Why Did I Need It?
IPR, or Interproximal Reduction, is a technique used in clear aligner treatment to create tiny spaces between teeth. It’s especially helpful for:
- Minimizing black triangles (those little gaps between your teeth near the gums)
- Reducing crowding to allow teeth to align properly.
- Help relieve contact resistance between teeth which may hinder the movements.
- Creating space for better alignment without needing extractions
The process involves carefully removing a very small amount of enamel from between selected teeth, typically less than 1 mm. IPR is an irreversible procedure and isn’t required for every clear aligner treatment plan. If one of our Specialist Orthodontists recommends IPR as part of your treatment, your Oral Health Therapist will explain why it has been recommended, what the procedure involves, and the potential benefits and risks before proceeding.
For me, IPR was scheduled at my 14th aligner, as part of my treatment plan designed by Dr. Sarah Lawrence. Everyone’s timeline is different because each smile is unique, but my aligners had already moved my teeth to a point where IPR was the next step.
The IPR Process: What It Feels Like
I was a little nervous walking into the appointment. While I had heard it didn’t hurt, the idea of having my teeth filed made me a bit uneasy. Would it feel weird? Would I notice a difference right away? Those thoughts were running through my head, but I reminded myself that it was just another step in my treatment plan. Even though I’d seen a couple of IPR procedures before, I wasn’t sure what to expect firsthand. But Trish, my Oral Health Therapist, was amazing. She was extra gentle, probably because she knew I was a bit apprehensive.
Here’s what happened at my IPR appointment:
- Measurement & Planning – Trish checked my treatment plan and mapped out exactly how much IPR was needed.
- The Filing Process – Using a fine dental strip and a polishing tool, she created 0.4mm of space between four of my teeth and 0.3mm between a couple of others. That’s quite a bit, but it was necessary for my teeth to align properly.
- The Sensation – It didn’t hurt at all! The sound was the worst part. Imagine someone putting an ASMR microphone on a nail file—it’s that kind of subtle scraping noise. But no pain whatsoever!
- Post-IPR Feeling – My teeth were a little tender from the motion, but not more than when I put in a fresh set of aligners.
My Smile Progress So Far
I’m now three-quarters of the way through my first set of aligners, and the change is incredible. In just 3.5 months, my smile is already looking amazing, and I’ve had so many compliments from friends and family. It’s exciting to think about how straight my teeth will look once I complete my refinement set of aligners!
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Nervous About IPR?
If IPR is recommended as part of your clear aligner treatment, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared. The procedure is generally completed during a routine appointment, and experiences can vary from person to person. Urban Smile’s team will talk you through each step, including the potential benefits and risks, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions before proceeding.
Want to see how the rest of my smile journey unfolded? Follow my experience from the first 24 hours with clear aligners, through the refinement phase and all the way to my finish appointment.