mySmilist Attachments and IPR: What Is The Need?

September 30, 2024

At mySmilist, we make achieving your perfect smile easier and more comfortable with our clear aligner. Two important aspects of your treatment are Attachments and IPR (Interproximal Reduction), which help ensure precise and efficient tooth movement. Let’s understand what these terms mean, how they work, and why they are crucial for your journey with mySmilist.

What Are Attachments in mySmilist Aligners?

Attachments are small, tooth-coloured very small bumps made from dental-grade composite material. These are strategically placed on certain teeth to help guide their movement throughout your treatment.

How Attachments Work:

• Better Tooth Control: Attachments give your aligners more grip, allowing them to apply the right pressure to move your teeth.
• Rotation and Vertical Movements: Some teeth need extra help rotating or moving up and down. Attachments act as anchor points, giving more control over these movements.
• Predictable Outcomes: Attachments ensure that your aligners fit snugly, making it an important element to achieve the results promised in your treatment plan.

Attachment Process at mySmilist:

• Assessment: Your treatment begins with a 3D scan, which is reviewed by our experienced Orthodontists. They determine if attachments are needed.
• Placement: The attachments are placed on specific teeth to assist with movement. They’re small and barely noticeable.
• Ongoing Monitoring: A Dedicated Dentist or Smile Expert will monitor your progress, making any adjustments needed to ensure your treatment stays on track.

What Is IPR (Interproximal Reduction)?

IPR is the process of gently removing small amounts of enamel from between teeth to create space. This helps your teeth align more easily and prevents overcrowding.

Why IPR Might Be Needed:

• Creating Space: If your teeth are crowded or overlap slightly, IPR creates the room needed for them to straighten properly.
• Improved Aesthetics: IPR can help avoid small gaps or “black triangles” between teeth that can sometimes appear during alignment.
• Better Bite: By creating space, IPR allows your teeth to move into a more natural and harmonious bite.

The IPR Process at mySmilist:

• Evaluation: Our experienced orthodontists will review your treatment plan to see if IPR is necessary.
• Gentle Process: The IPR procedure is quick and painless. It involves carefully removing a tiny amount of enamel using specialized tools.
• Regular Monitoring: Throughout your treatment, your progress will be closely monitored by our dedicated dentist or Smile Expert team to ensure your teeth are moving correctly and IPR has the desired effect.

Conclusion:

The IPR and attachment processes in aligner treatments are both safe and painless. Studies show that 90% of patients report little to no discomfort during these procedures. IPR only removes about 0.3 mm of enamel, which is minimal and doesn’t harm tooth structure or health. Attachments are made from tooth-coloured composite material and are completely safe for long-term use. Both processes are carefully monitored by a team of experienced orthodontists to ensure safety and comfort. With no lasting side effects, these methods help aligners work more efficiently and achieve better results.

Contributed By: Shiza Laiq