Tooth stripping — when should you think about it?

What is tooth stripping?

Tooth stripping, also known as interproximal enamel reduction (IPR), is a dental procedure that involves gently removing a small amount of enamel from the side surfaces of the teeth. The purpose of this procedure is to create additional space between the teeth, which may be necessary in various orthodontic situations, for example when treating dental tightness or preparing to put on braces. Stripping is performed using special tools, such as fine files, milling cutters or sandpaper. This is a controlled process that removes only a small amount of enamel (usually 0.1 to 0.3 mm on each side of the tooth) so as not to compromise the health of the tooth. It is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced professional and can be an effective way to improve the aesthetics of the smile and the function of the bite without the need for more invasive methods.

Stripping and contouring

Tooth stripping and tooth contouring are often confused with each other. These are two different dental procedures that serve to improve the aesthetics and function of the dentition, but differ in their goals and methods of execution.

Tooth stripping (Interproximal Enamel Reduction — IPR)

The main purpose of stripping is to create additional space between the teeth, which is often required in orthodontic treatment, for example, with dental tightness or to improve the fit of the teeth without extraction.

Tooth contouring (Odontoplasty)

Tooth contouring aims to improve the shape, size, or texture of your teeth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. It can be used for minor adjustments to the appearance of teeth, such as smoothing sharp edges, reducing slightly offset teeth or changing the shape of teeth for a better appearance. Mainly used for aesthetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth and smile.

In summary, tooth stripping is an orthodontic procedure that aims to create space between teeth, and tooth contouring focuses on improving the appearance of individual teeth by changing their shape or size.

When is tooth stripping indicated?

Tooth stripping (interproximal enamel reduction, IPR) is indicated in various orthodontic and dental situations, especially when it is necessary to obtain additional space in the dental arch without the need for tooth extraction.

• Dental tightness When teeth are too tightly arranged and there is not enough space for their proper alignment, stripping can help create the necessary space so that the teeth can be organized without removing any of them.
• Improving the fit of the teeth — in some cases, tooth stripping is done to improve the way the upper and lower teeth align with each other, which contributes to better bite and chewing function.
• Preparation for orthodontics Prior to braces, stripping may be performed to create additional space for the teeth to move, which facilitates orthodontic treatment and may shorten its duration.
• Prevention of tooth extraction — in some cases, stripping is the preferred method compared to tooth extraction, as it allows all teeth to be preserved and can lead to a better aesthetic result of the treatment.
• Treatment of tooth displacements Stripping can also be used to correct minor tooth displacements, especially in the anterior part of the dental arch, where aesthetics are crucial.
• Prevention of tooth overload In some cases, especially when there is a slight irregularity in the distribution of chewing forces, stripping can help to distribute the load evenly over the teeth, reducing the risk of tooth damage.

The benefits of tooth stripping

Tooth stripping (interproximal enamel reduction, IPR) offers a number of advantages in an orthodontic and aesthetic context:

• Avoiding tooth extraction One of the main advantages of stripping is the ability to avoid tooth extraction, which is especially important for patients who want to preserve all their teeth. Stripping allows you to create additional space in the dental arch without having to remove the teeth.
• Improving the aesthetics of a smile — By gently modeling the space between the teeth, stripping can help achieve a more harmonious and aesthetic alignment of the teeth, which translates into a nicer smile.
• Reducing the time of orthodontic treatment In some cases, stripping can reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment, as it creates additional space, allowing the teeth to move faster and more efficiently to the desired position.
• Prevention of problems associated with dental tightness Stripping can help prevent future problems resulting from dental tightness, such as difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, tooth decay or gum disease, by creating enough space between the teeth for thorough cleaning.
• Improvement of the bite Through careful planning and execution, stripping can help improve bite fit, which translates into better chewing function and reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and other chewing disorders.
• Minimal invasiveness Compared to other orthodontic procedures, stripping is relatively less invasive. It removes only a small amount of enamel and does not require significant surgical intervention.
• Prevention of tooth overload By evenly distributing the space between the teeth, stripping can contribute to a better distribution of chewing forces on the teeth, which helps prevent overloads and potential tooth abrasion.

Despite its many advantages, tooth stripping should be done with caution and only if it is clearly indicated by an experienced orthodontist who has made a comprehensive assessment of the patient's needs and oral health.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration of a tooth stripping (interproximal enamel reduction, IPR) procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of space to be created, the number of teeth to be treated, and the overall orthodontic treatment plan. It usually comes down to several sessions.

The procedure of stripping on several teeth can last from a few minutes to about 30 minutes. The procedure for one tooth usually takes only a few minutes. This time may be longer if the stripping involves more teeth or if detailed evaluation and planning is needed. When a significant amount of space is required, stripping can be spread over several sessions over the course of the entire orthodontic treatment. This allows you to gradually create space and monitor the reaction of tissues to the procedure.

Does tooth stripping hurt?

Tooth stripping (interproximal enamel reduction, IPR) is usually not painful, but patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort during and after the procedure. These sensations can vary depending on the individual pain threshold, the area of the procedure and the method used by the doctor.

Most patients report slight discomfort or a feeling of scratching during stripping. Since this procedure involves gently removing a small amount of enamel from the lateral surfaces of the teeth, it should not be painful, especially since the tooth enamel does not contain nerve endings.

After the procedure, some patients may experience a slight sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold or heat, which usually passes after a few days. This sensitivity is usually mild and can be easily controlled with toothpastes recommended by the dentist for sensitive teeth or other remedies.

To minimize discomfort, it is worth following the orthodontist's recommendations before and after the procedure, such as avoiding very cold or hot drinks if the teeth are sensitive, and maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent additional irritation.

Does stripping damage teeth?

Tooth stripping is a dental procedure that, if done correctly by an experienced professional, is considered safe and generally should not cause damage to the teeth. Tooth stripping removes only a small amount of enamel (usually 0.1 to 0.3 mm on each side of the tooth), which is safe and does not violate the integrity of the tooth or its ability to function. There is a minimal risk of damage to the teeth if the procedure is not performed with proper care. For example, excessive removal of enamel can weaken the tooth. However, this risk is very low when stripping is performed by an experienced orthodontist using the correct technique.

Can stripping cause tooth decay?

Tooth stripping, or interproximal enamel reduction (IPR), involves gently removing a small amount of enamel from the lateral surfaces of the teeth to create additional space between them. The process itself, performed correctly by an experienced specialist, usually does not directly increase the risk of tooth decay. However, changes in the structure of the teeth and the spaces between them can affect the way the patient needs to take care of their teeth after the procedure to prevent caries.

After tooth stripping, it is very important for patients to follow good oral hygiene practices, including regular tooth brushing and flossing. The reduction of enamel creates new spaces between the teeth that can more easily accumulate food debris and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay if they are not properly cleaned. The use of special oral hygiene tools, such as interdental brushes or irrigators, may be recommended to ensure that the space between the teeth is thoroughly cleaned after the IPR procedure.

Fluoride application may be recommended after the IPR procedure to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of caries. Fluoride helps in enamel remineralization and can provide additional protection for areas where enamel has been removed.

Can stripping cause gum damage?

Tooth stripping is a relatively safe procedure if done correctly by an experienced specialist. However, like any dental intervention, it can carry some risks, including potential damage to the gums, although such cases are rare. Careless use of tools during stripping can cause minor injuries to the gums. Such injuries usually heal quickly, subject to proper oral hygiene. A key factor in minimizing the risk of gum damage is to make sure the procedure is performed by an experienced orthodontist or dentist who uses the appropriate techniques.