Interproximal reducation in conjunction with plastic aligner therapy : a retrospective pilot study

INTERPROXIMAL REDUCTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH PLASTIC ALIGNER THERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY Adam Chorak, DDS August 1, 2011 Background: For more than 10 years, Invisalign has been a treatment alternative to traditional bands and brackets for the treatment of malocclusion. In order to relieve crowding in the dentition, interproximal reduction (IPR) or stripping is often required. Invisalign dictates how much IPR should be done per case. Hypothesis: The hypothesis is that less tooth structure is removed by IPR during treatment than is advocated by Invisalign. Methods: Subjects will be patients from the University of Louisville who were treated with Invisalign. The mesial-distal width of the teeth on pre and post treatment models will be measured and compared against the amount of IPR that was recommended by Invisalign. Results: 6 subjects with 130 teeth treated met the inclusion criteria. Of those 130 teeth, 33 were subject to IPR. The mean amount of IPR was within .02mm of the expected amount of IPR as set forth by Invisalign.