Occlusion is at the heart of orthodontic success. Even after ideal alignment, minor interferences can compromise function, patient comfort, and long-term stability. Occlusal interferences, contacts that hinder smooth mandibular movement, can lead to parafunctional habits, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain, and premature wear.
While selective grinding or equilibration has long been the standard corrective method, Interproximal Reduction (IPR) offers a minimally invasive, orthodontist-controlled alternative. When performed with precision burs and strips, IPR can resolve occlusal discrepancies while preserving natural tooth structure.
This article explores how orthodontists can safely and effectively use IPR to manage occlusal interferences, drawing on clinical protocols, real-world examples, and precision instrumentation such as the Mr. Bur One Slice IPR Kit and Diamond Strips.
Understanding Occlusal Interferences
What Are They?
Occlusal interferences occur when teeth make premature contact during mandibular function, disrupting normal guidance and balance. These interferences are typically classified into:
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Working-side interferences → Prevent smooth canine guidance.
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Non-working (balancing) interferences → Undesirable contacts on the opposite side during lateral movements.
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Protrusive interferences → Premature posterior contacts when the mandible moves forward.
Clinical Consequences
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Patient discomfort and sensitivity.
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Muscle hyperactivity or TMJ dysfunction.
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Accelerated wear on enamel or restorations.
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Compromised orthodontic retention and stability.
Why Use IPR for Occlusal Management?
IPR is often overlooked in occlusal correction, yet it provides several clinical advantages:
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Space Creation Without Extraction
By selectively reducing proximal enamel, orthodontists can resolve crowding or occlusal disharmony without sacrificing teeth. -
Controlled Contact Adjustment
Unlike gross occlusal adjustment, IPR allows highly localized correction at contact points, ideal for relieving interferences linked to tooth size discrepancies. -
Morphology Preservation
IPR reshapes contacts without flattening cusp morphology, ensuring functional guidance remains intact.
Clinical Protocol for Managing Occlusion with IPR
1. Diagnosis
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Use articulating paper and digital occlusal analysis to identify interference points.
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Assess whether interferences are due to alignment, arch coordination, or tooth size imbalance.
2. Treatment Planning
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Evaluate if minor IPR (0.2–0.5 mm per contact) is sufficient.
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Plan enamel reduction only in strategic areas to relieve interferences.
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Confirm enamel thickness radiographically if high reduction is anticipated.
3. Execution with Precision Burs and Strips
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Mr. Bur Mosquito IPR Burs: Efficient for anterior interferences in tight contacts.
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Mr. Bur One Slice IPR Kit: Offers calibrated strips for precise reduction, protecting adjacent surfaces.
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Mr. Bur Diamond Strips: Ideal for finishing, smoothing contacts, and preventing plaque-retentive surfaces.
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Always perform under water irrigation to prevent enamel overheating.
4. Finishing and Polishing
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Use polishing strips or discs to smooth reduced enamel.
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Apply fluoride varnish or remineralizing agents to reinforce enamel integrity.
Clinical Case Example
Patient: 26-year-old with moderate crowding treated with clear aligners.
Problem: After alignment, patient developed protrusive interferences on upper laterals.
Solution:
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0.3 mm IPR performed on upper laterals and premolars using the One Slice IPR Kit.
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Finishing completed with fine IPR Diamond Strips.
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Fluoride varnish applied immediately after.
Outcome:
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Interferences eliminated.
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Occlusion balanced, with smooth anterior guidance.
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Patient reported relief of discomfort within 1 week.
Risks and How to Avoid Them
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Over-reduction → Always verify with IPR gauges.
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Enamel roughness → Finish with strips to reduce plaque accumulation.
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Sensitivity → Avoid excessive heat; reinforce enamel with fluoride.
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Incomplete correction → Some cases may still require selective grinding or restorative adjustment.
Conclusion
Managing occlusal interferences is critical for orthodontic success, patient comfort, and long-term stability. Interproximal Reduction, when planned carefully, offers a minimally invasive, precise, and effective method for resolving these issues.
With tools like the Mr. Bur One Slice IPR Kit and Diamond Strips, orthodontists can perform safe enamel adjustments, harmonize occlusion, and deliver predictable results.
Takeaway: IPR should be seen not just as a space-gaining tool, but as a functional occlusal management strategy that enhances both esthetics and biomechanics.
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