IPR, also known as interproximal reduction, is a dental technique used to reduce the size of teeth before or during orthodontic treatment. You may also have heard of this procedure as tooth or dental stripping - another name often used.

IPR is mainly used for mild to moderate crowding. By gently reducing the width of certain teeth by just 0.2–0.5 mm, extra space is created so teeth can align more naturally.IPR is only recommended when needed. In cases of severe crowding, extractions may be required instead — and aligners are often not the right solution in those situations.

The main goal of IPR is to create space by gently reducing the width of certain teeth. This often helps avoid extractions and keeps the final result in harmony with the natural shape of your teeth.In many cases, proper alignment isn’t possible without IPR — regardless of the type of braces used or whether teeth were straight before. The procedure is quick and typically painless, with no anaesthesia required.

IPR creates small amounts of space so aligners or braces can work effectively. By subtly adjusting tooth width and allowing the dental arch to expand slightly, more room is created — especially in the front — while maintaining a natural, balanced smile.For mild crowding, IPR is often an ideal solution. It creates the precise space needed to move teeth into position, usually without extractions, so you can keep all your teeth.

IPR can also help reduce small “black triangles” that sometimes appear between the teeth and gums after orthodontic treatment. By subtly reshaping the sides of the teeth, these spaces become smaller and less noticeable.