At Splash Orthodontics, we use IPR to gently improve spacing and help achieve the best possible results. It’s a routine part of orthodontic treatment that supports healthy, balanced tooth movement while keeping your natural smile intact.

What is interproximal reduction (IPR)?

Interproximal reduction is a technique that involves removing tiny amounts of enamel from between certain teeth – often fractions of a millimetre – to make a little extra room.

We only remove a very minimal amount of enamel – carefully and precisely – without affecting the health or strength of your teeth.

Who might need IPR?

IPR is most commonly used in cases where the teeth are crowded or overlapping, and there simply isn’t enough space to straighten them out properly without making adjustments. It’s also helpful for:

• Smoothing contacts between teeth to improve alignment
• Preventing black triangles (small gaps near the gums) after treatment
• Creating long-term stability, so teeth are less likely to relapse after treatment

Not every patient needs IPR – but when it’s used correctly, it can make a big difference to your overall result.

Is IPR safe?

Yes – when carried out by a trained orthodontist, IPR is completely safe and doesn’t damage your teeth. Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, and the amount removed during IPR is so minimal that it doesn’t compromise its protective function.

It’s a conservative technique that allows us to improve your smile without removing teeth or resorting to more invasive options like veneers or crowns.

Why expert oversight matters

One of the key benefits of having orthodontic treatment in person – with a specialist overseeing your progress – is that techniques like IPR can be used at the right time, in the right place and in the right amount.

With online or mail-order aligners, this level of precision simply isn’t possible. Because you’re not being seen in person, there’s no way to perform IPR – and that can limit your results.

In many cases, aligners without IPR can cause teeth to tip instead of move properly, or lead to aligners that don’t fit as treatment progresses. It’s one of the reasons we don’t recommend online orthodontics.

Your smile is in specialist hands

At Splash Orthodontics, every part of your treatment is carefully planned and supervised by a specialist orthodontist. If IPR is recommended as part of your treatment plan, we’ll explain why, show you exactly where it’ll be done and answer any questions you might have. For us, it’s all about safe, healthy movement – and long-term results you can feel confident in.

Book a free consultation with our team in Hove to explore your options. We’ll guide you through every step, including whether IPR might be needed as part of your transformation.