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2010;1(1):1-5
3
Sandhya Jadhav1, Shilpa Vattipelli2, Mani Pavitra
Abstract
Interproximal enamel reduction (IER) technique is a means of gaining space as a part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Following a careful literature review the article discusses interproximal enamel reduction techniques. The history, indications,
contraindications, advantages, disadvantages and precautions of interproximal enamel reduction are also discussed.
Interproximal enamel reduction technique when used correctly for the right cases can serve as an effective way to gain space
during orthodontic treatment. If the technique is utilized correctly there is no evidence that it is in any way deleterious to the
dental hard tissues or soft tissues.
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Figure 1: IER using abrasive strip Figure 2: IER using abrasive disc
retention. She observed some relapse, but concluded that 2. Inter-arch size discrepancies: Kesling in 1945 stresses
esthetics were clearly acceptable, after observation by a the importance of a favorable inter arch tooth-size
panel of three dentists, three orthodontists and three non- relationship for the establishment of a stable occlu-
dentists. sion.17
In 1985, Sheridan14 published his article “Air-rotorstri- 3. Tooth shape and dental esthetics: Stripping can and
pping” and in 1987, “Air-rotor stripping update.”15 These should be used for the reshaping of enamel on some
articles totally revolutionized the technique and aims of teeth, thus contributing to an improved finishing of
interproximal enamel reduction. He recommended: orthodontic treatment and dental esthetics. Peck and
1. Use of a turbine with carbide drill, instead of diamond Peck (1972) indicate that a substantial relationship
disks and strips. exists between mandibular incisor shape and the
2. Stripping on buccal sectors; in other words, distally on presence and absence of mandibular incisor crowd-
canines or mesially on the second molars on both arches. ing.10 Apparently, well aligned mandibular central and
This achieves greater space and allows the preservation of lateral incisors have a remarkably distinct crown
incisors. shape.
3. Use of stripping procedures to achieve space (upto 8 mm 4. Macrodontia size discrepancies: Though this in itself
per arch) for the correction of moderate dentomaxillary is not an indication for proximal stripping, but in cases
disharmony, without recourse to extraction or excessive where teeth are crowded and larger than normal
expansion. (macrodontia), proximal stripping should be consider-
In 1986, Zachrisson16 proposed a new direction for strip- ed.
ping: improvement of the shape of the teeth, mainly for 5. Crowding of mandibular incisors: Stripping was first
incisors and reduction of the black triangular space above used to obtain space for the correction and prevention
the papilla. of crowding.4
6. To enhance retention and stability: Proximal stripping
Indications may enhance retention and stability in a number of
The IER technique has evolved over the years; it was first ways. In cases, where there are tooth material-arch
used only for stripping mandibular incisors, with the aim of length discrepancies not only is it necessary to reduce
preventing and correcting crowding. Areas of application these discrepancies so that the teeth are aligned
have continued to grow: properly but also, so that the teeth will remain stable
1. Tooth size discrepancy: Ballard in 1944, found a left- after orthodontic therapy and retention has been
right tooth discrepancy in one or more pairs of teeth, in completed. Begg and Kesling have stressed the need
his study of 500 cases. These discrepancies, if not to remove these discrepancies to allow the teeth to be
corrected, could be responsible for rotations and placed in positions of stability.18
slipped contacts. He advocated careful stripping of the 7. To simulate stone-age man's proximal attrition: Begg
proximal surfaces of the anterior teeth.2 and Kesling (1977) believed that attritional occlusion
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is of great benefit to man, and that proximal stripping enamel and avoidance of root contact. The amount of
simulates this if carried out regularly throughout life.18 possible reduction from each surface (usually between 0.2
8. Normalization of gingival contour and elimination of mm and 1.0mm) is then recorded in tenths of millimetres.
triangular spaces above the papilla, thus greatly If the total amount of possible reduction in each quadrant is
improving esthetics and smile. less than the amount of space needed, then another treat-
9. Moderate dentomaxillary disharmony: This is a prim- ment method must be chosen. If the total is greater than the
ary area of application for interproximal enamel space needed, then the amounts on the chart are revised
reduction in the technique developed by Sheridan in downward until the totals are equal.
1985 and 1987, which allowed space to be obtained The second and third molars and the distal surfaces of the
for the correction of moderate dental crowding; up to 8 first molars should not be stripped, if possible, to preserve
mm per arch could be achieved without the need for anchorage. Ceramic crowns will often have to be replaced
extraction or excessive expansion.14,15 if they are ground.
10. Reduced expansion and premolar extraction. When a tooth is rotated, the anatomic proximal surface
11. Camouflage of Class II and III malocclusions: The use should be reduced rather than the contact area.
of mandibular stripping can be beneficial in camoufl-
aging slight to moderate Class III conditions and Steps involved in IER:
overjet. In orthodontic treatment to camouflage Class 1. Separation: This involves separating the teeth to be
II with the extraction of two maxillary pre- molars, reduced by the use of separators to make the area of
correcting the crowding and inclination of the man- reduction more accessible.
dibular incisors with stripping is an ideal solution. 2. Reduction: The enamel is reduced with the help of
12. Correction of the Curve of Spee: For the correction of appropriate abrasive strip (Figure 1), diamond cutting
an exaggerated Curve of Spee, it is necessary to create discs ( Figure 2) or burs (Figure 3).
a few millimeters of space in the arch. This can be 3. Recontouring: After the reduction the teeth are care-
achieved through moderate stripping. fully reshaped to recreate the original contact conto-
urs.
Contraindications 4. Polishing: The tooth surface is polished to reduce the
There are several contraindications for the approximation surface enamel roughness.
technique: 5. Protection: The teeth reduced are fluoridated as the
1. Severe crowding (more than 8 mm per arch): With outer protective fluoridated enamel layer is lost.
application of IER, it would be hazardous to carry out
orthodontic correction. There would be risk of excess- How much of enamel can be reduced?
ive loss of enamel and all of the ensuing consequ- There are no studies that indicate how much of enamel is
ences. needed for adequate protection of tooth against carious,
2. Poor oral hygiene and/or poor periodontal environm- thermal or chemical damage. The variation in the thickness
ent: IER should not be used when there is active of enamel suggests that there is no protective advantage in
periodontal disease or poor oral hygiene. preserving thick enamel interproximally, when comparati-
3. Small teeth and hypersensitivity to cold: Stripping ve thin enamel occurs naturally on labial, buccal and
should not be used in these situations, as the risk of the lingual surface.
appearance of or an increase in dental sensitivity is John Sheridan suggests that if 50% of inter proximal
great. enamel was removed, 6.4mm of space could be generated
4. Susceptibility to decay or multiple restorations: There from 8 buccal contacts (0.8mm/contact) and 2.5mm of
is a risk of causing imbalance in unstable oral situat- space could be created from 5 anterior contacts (0.5mm/
ions, although the stripping of restorations, instead of contact).15 So a cumulative gain of 8.9mm of space within
enamel surfaces, is an option to consider. the arch is feasible.
5. Shape of teeth: Stripping should not be carried out on The thickness of interproximal enamel can be estimated by
“square” teeth, that is teeth with straight proximal projecting a line from the cervical line vertically to the
surfaces and wide bases, as these shapes produce occlusal or incisal plane. Dentin is projected in a straight
broad contact surfaces, and could potentially cause line from cervical line or in a line that tapers slightly
food impaction and reduced interseptal bone. towards the pulp.
Techniques for enamel reduction
Treatment planning There are various methods recommended by various
A complete set of radiographs and models is needed. From authors for IER. Some of them are:
the x-rays, the clinician can determine: Hudson used lightning steel strips of 0.10- 0.12 mm.
The convexity of each proximal surface He followed it by finishing abrasive strips to remove
The thickness of enamel on each tooth the roughness.4
The size of fillings Paskow begins stripping with wide metal abrasive
polishing strips to gain proximal access followed by
The disposition of the roots coarse abrasive metal disc and then single- sided
If the tooth is rotated, the contour will not be shown diamond disc. He used a small diamond stone bur to
accurately on the x-ray, and the model must also be used. round off the sharp edges8 and finally rubber abrasive
The orthodontist must decide how much enamel can be disc to polish all surfaces.
removed from each tooth surface, allowing for a minimum Peck and Peck recommended use of double sided
convexity to form the contact point, a sufficient amount of abrasive steel strip for gross reduction when less than
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0.2 mm per surface of enamel has to be reduced and a 8. Only individuals having low caries index should be
safe sided steel abrasive disc on slow speed straight selected.
hand piece for reduction beyond 0.2 mm per surface.
Finishing is done with cutterfish strips.10 Conclusion
Zachrisson used a thin flexible diamond disc for gross IER is a critical procedure. Therefore, planning and execu-
reduction, steel strips for contouring, finishing and tion need to be carefully assessed. This treatment should be
polishing surface for surface smoothness.16
John Sheridan advocated air- rotor stripping by use of considered as an exact reduction of inter- proximal enamel
699L small tapered crosscut fissure carbide bur with and not just as a simple method to solve problems. Inte-
an extended cutting area. Finishing is done by rproximal enamel reduction technique when used correctly
polishing with carbide finishing burs, finishing diam- for the right cases can serve as an effective way to gain
onds, polishing disc of hand held finishing strips.14 space during orthodontic treatment. If the technique is
utilized correctly there is no evidence that it is in any way
Protection of soft tissues deleterious to the dental hard tissues or soft tissues.
Sheridan advised use of 0.20 inch brass wire to be placed
gingivally between teeth to be reduced. This wire also References
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7. Stripped areas should be fluoridated following polis- 18. Begg PR, Kesling PC. Begg orthodontic theory and techn-
hing, as this procedure removes fluoride rich caries ique, 3rd edn. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunder,1977.
resistant enamel.
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