Should I get whitening if I have sensitive teeth?

If you're concerned about tooth sensitivity, you may decide to choose a product that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Mount Lawley Dental uses Philips ZOOM! Nite White – which is especially formulated for those with sensitive teeth.

What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment involves treating teeth with a diseased dental pulp, such as a dental abscess. The infected soft tissue is removed from inside the tooth and replaced with a root canal filling that seals the tooth from future infection.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last (third) molars to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are usually four wisdom teeth, but not everyone gets them. As these teeth are less necessary, dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal if a tooth becomes impacted or causes problems such as teeth crowding.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers depends on their size, the number of veneers you have and what material they're made from. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers. At Mount Lawley Dental, veneers start from $300 per tooth for composite resin and from $1400 per tooth for porcelain.

Why is oral hygiene important?

Good oral hygiene is about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in order to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These dental problems when left untreated can erode teeth and cause gums to pull away, weakening the tooth structure and resulting in tooth loss. Tooth loss affects the way you eat and speak and can create teeth alignment issues, jawbone deterioration and a sagging facial appearance.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to dental care. The preventive approach aims to prevent common dental problems before they have a chance to develop and avoiding the need for more invasive and expensive procedures to correct them.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that can build up on teeth and form plaque. When bacteria reaches the gum, it can cause an infection that the body fights with inflammation, leading to swelling and tenderness of the gums.

How do I keep my mouthguard clean?

Clean your mouthguard under room temperature water and a cleaning solution to keep it in good condition. Avoid using hot water to rinse your mouthguard as it will warp it out of shape. By making sure you clean your mouthguard after every use, you’ll keep it free from staining and plaque build-up that can ruin the mouthguard and require you to replace it sooner than necessary.

Invisalign®: What Is Interproximal Reduction (IPR)?

Invisalign

Invisalign®: What Is Interproximal Reduction (IPR)?

Posted on: 22 November, 2022

IPR is a quick and painless procedure that may be recommended alongside your Invisalign treatment to repair crowding and achieve your desired outcome.

2 minute read

If you choose to straighten your teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, your cosmetic dentist may first need to prepare your teeth to ensure there is enough space for teeth to move and to improve your bite.

One method is interproximal reduction (IPR), also called stripping or enamel reduction. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses flexible strips or a diamond coated disc to gently remove small amounts of enamel in areas that are crowded or that surround crowded teeth, so that your clear aligners can move teeth more effectively.

It’s a quick and painless process that’s only performed on certain teeth for an overall better result. Got questions about your Invisalign journey? Get in touch today.

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When is interproximal reduction recommended?

When is IPR recommended with Invisalign treatment

Not everyone who is having Invisalign or another orthodontic treatment requires IPR, but your dentist may recommend it for several reasons. These can include:

to create space for teeth to move
to help correct or prevent crowding
to reduce 'black triangles' between teeth
to improve the symmetry of your smile

Your dentist will explain what the treatment involves and what to expect from IPR. IPR may be performed in addition to widening a narrow arch or treating the proclination of teeth (forward incline of teeth).

What are black triangles?

Black triangles refer to the formation of black space in between newly straightened teeth. It can happen when overlapping teeth shift into their new position, exposing tiny gaps where gum tissue would typically appear between teeth. IPR is used to prevent the appearance of black triangles after teeth straightening treatment.

What does interproximal reduction involve?

Interproximal reduction is the removal of small amount of enamel (the hard outer surface of the tooth) from the sides of teeth where they would normally touch. This can usually be completed by our cosmetic dentist in a single appointment using fine dental instruments to carefully remove the enamel where needed.

Only a very thin amount of enamel is removed – usually between 0.1 and 0.5 millimetres from each tooth, depending on their size. As there are no nerve endings in tooth enamel, the procedure is completely painless and you won't need an anaesthetic, though you may feel some temporary pressure or discomfort.

What to expect after interproximal reduction

IPR is a safe procedure when it's carried out by an experienced dentist. Some people find that their teeth feel more sensitive to temperature after enamel is removed, but this should only last for a few days at most.

Your teeth should not look noticeably different after enamel reduction, but you may be able to see the difference up close in the mirror, depending on how much enamel was removed. This will not be visible when your Invisalign aligners are worn, and spaces may become less visible as your teeth are straightened.

What are the alternatives?

Interproximal reduction is a routine procedure that is often recommended prior to Invisalign or braces, but it's not always the best choice for everyone.

For younger patients whose teeth and jaws are still growing, an expansion appliance may be an alternative for increasing the spaces between teeth.
If more space is needed (more than 8mm) than can be achieved by IPR, one or more teeth may need to be removed before Invisalign treatment can begin.

Book a consultation for Invisalign in Mount Lawley

If you're considering Invisalign treatment to correct your bite or straighten your smile, our cosmetic dentists at Mount Lawley Dental will make sure you have all the information about the treatment and what it can involve, including Invisalign attachments, follow-up appointments and retainers.

Call our friendly team today on (08) 9227 8777 or book a consultation online. We welcome patients from all nearby areas including Highgate and Inglewood.

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Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device. Always read the label and follow instructions for use from your dentist.

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