{"id":2198,"date":"2026-03-25T16:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.serenityortho.com\/blog\/?p=2198"},"modified":"2026-04-06T16:23:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T16:23:52","slug":"your-easy-guide-to-interproximal-reductions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.serenityortho.com\/blog\/your-easy-guide-to-interproximal-reductions\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Easy Guide to Interproximal Reductions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Before you start your journey with Invisalign<\/a>, you may need an interproximal reduction. It\u2019s something that many people need to undergo before they get orthodontics, but what does it do? You might\u2019ve heard it helps you have a successful realignment of your teeth and bite, so here\u2019s more about this procedure to ensure you know how it can benefit your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is an Interproximal Reduction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Interproximal reduction, or IPR, is used to slightly modify the shape of certain teeth, particularly in preparation for orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners. This minor change helps create more space between your dental structures so any crowding can be more effectively corrected. That way, your bite pattern can then be improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few ways that this technique is done, but they all only remove a tiny amount of enamel. In fact, what they take off or alter is thinner than the thickness of your fingernail! It won\u2019t be an overly obvious change, but you may have some sensitivity afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do I Need an Interproximal Reduction?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With that said, you might wonder why you need an interproximal reduction in the first place. Simply put, it’s mainly used when there isn’t enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to shift into their desired positions. It’s used to address orthodontic concerns, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n