Also known as interproximal reduction (IPR), it is a time-tested process that has been utilized for over a century and offers numerous benefits. As such, it is strongly encouraged by the American Association of Orthodontists. Benefits include resolving crowding without expansion or extraction, closing gum-line spaces, decreasing food collection between teeth, and increasing tooth stability.
The rationale behind slenderizing is that each tooth has an excess of enamel. Minor removal of enamel across multiple teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, is a conservative, time-tested approach to resolving a variety of dental problems.
Click here to see the American Association of Orthodontists Brochure on Slenderizing / Interproximal Reduction.
The benefits of slenderizing
Avoids extraction
Creating a small amount of space between teeth can relieve mild to moderate crowding without expansion or removing healthy teeth.
Closes gum-line spaces
Reshaping the contact between teeth reduces — or eliminates — the dark "black triangle" gaps that can appear near the gums.
Less food trapping
Smoothing tight or uneven contacts means fewer spots where food collects between teeth day to day.
A more stable result
Broader, flatter contacts between teeth help hold your corrected smile in place after treatment — a key reason the AAO encourages it.
How slenderizing is performed
Slenderizing removes only a fraction of a millimeter of enamel from between selected teeth — far less than the surface enamel each tooth naturally has to spare. Your orthodontist uses fine abrasive strips or a thin rotary disc, and the surfaces are polished smooth afterward.
Because so little enamel is involved, no anesthesia is needed and there is nothing to feel. The whole procedure typically takes 30 seconds to 5 minutes. It is precise, conservative work, so at The Braces Place it is performed only by the doctor. If you would like to know whether slenderizing is right for your treatment, book a complimentary exam.
Slenderizing, answered.
Wondering whether slenderizing is right for you? Bring your questions to a complimentary consultation — every initial exam includes time with the doctor.
Book a complimentary examDoes slenderizing hurt?
No. Slenderizing is painless.
How long does slenderizing take?
Between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.
Does slenderizing predispose me to cavities?
No — and it may actually help protect against cavities by reducing the tight contacts where decay can start.
Will my teeth look too small afterward?
No. The amount of enamel removed is minimal and does not make teeth look too small.
Are there any long-term consequences?
No. Slenderizing is a conservative, time-tested procedure with no long-term consequences.
Can it make my front teeth smaller?
Yes. Slenderizing can make front teeth slightly smaller when that helps the result.
If I have sensitivity, will it go away?
Most people do not have any sensitivity, but if it occurs it is temporary.
Can slenderizing eliminate my gumline spaces?
Yes — it can eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, gumline spaces.
Who should perform slenderizing?
Only the doctor or orthodontist should perform slenderizing.
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