Interdental stripping is often indicated in some orthodontic cases to create space for tooth movement. So, does interdental stripping cause damage to tooth enamel or affect health? Let My Auris help you understand and learn about post-stripping care!
What is Interdental Stripping?
Interdental stripping is a common orthodontic technique that helps facilitate more effective tooth movement. Unlike tooth preparation for dental crowns – which involves grinding the tooth surface – interdental stripping only lightly affects the sides of the teeth to create space for tooth movement. This technique is particularly useful for cases with large teeth, helping them appear slimmer and more harmonious after adjustment.
To ensure safety, interdental stripping must adhere to the correct reduction ratio to minimize invasiveness, avoiding pulp damage or sensitivity. Therefore, this technique must be performed by a highly skilled dentist, as inaccurate procedures can affect tooth structure and harm overall oral health.
Understanding interdental stripping helps you (patients) be more proactive during orthodontic treatment and choose the most suitable and safest method for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Are There Any Side Effects of Interdental Stripping?
Tooth stripping is an effective supportive technique during orthodontic treatment, creating space for teeth to move, thereby enhancing aesthetics. Does tooth stripping during braces have any side effects? If performed with the correct ratio, interdental stripping will not harm natural teeth or negatively affect oral health. However, if professional standards are not met or service quality is poor, incorrect interdental stripping can pose many potential health risks.
Excessive Tooth Stripping Can Easily Invade the Tooth Pulp
One of the most severe side effects of interdental stripping is tooth pulp invasion. When the dentist performs excessive or incorrect stripping, it can lead to pulpitis, gingivitis, and prolonged pain, causing severe damage to oral health.
Causes Prolonged Sensitivity
Stripping too deeply will cause patients to frequently experience prolonged pain and sensitivity. This reduces their quality of life and affects daily activities.
Alters Tooth Enamel Structure and Facial Shape
The side effects of interdental stripping can also manifest as changes in tooth enamel structure. Although the goal is to create space for tooth movement, if performed incorrectly, the interdental stripping technique can alter the dental arch, consequently leading to changes in facial shape and a loss of original natural harmony.
What are the Benefits of Interdental Stripping?
Interdental stripping is a dental technique that, while relatively new to many people, offers significant health benefits if performed correctly. Here are the advantages of interdental stripping that should not be overlooked:
Creates space for teeth to move easily, thereby supporting a smooth orthodontic process and resulting in a more even set of teeth.
For cases with large teeth requiring braces, interdental stripping helps teeth appear smaller, more suitable for the face, enhancing overall aesthetics.
Contributes to the removal of plaque and dark spots accumulated in interdental spaces, areas that are difficult to clean with regular brushing or conventional tooth whitening.
Standard Interdental Stripping Ratios According to Tooth Position
The standard interdental stripping ratio will be determined by the dentist based on the specific tooth condition and a treatment plan tailored for each patient. Below are some typical interdental stripping ratios commonly applied to different tooth positions:
For incisors and canines, the maximum tooth reduction ratio is typically as follows:
- Cervical (neck of the) tooth: from 0.6 mm – 0.8 mm
- Body of the tooth: from 1 mm – 1.3 mm
- Incisal edge: from 1.2 mm – 1.6 mm
For molars, the maximum tooth reduction ratio is applied as follows:
- Cervical (neck of the) tooth: from 0.6 mm – 0.8 mm
- Body of the tooth: from 1.3 mm – 1.6 mm
- Occlusal edge: from 1.4 mm – 1.8 mm
Notes After Interdental Stripping
After interdental stripping, the newly created gaps between teeth can easily trap food, increasing the risk of infection and tooth decay if not cared for properly. To protect your oral health, please follow these post-stripping care instructions:
Maintain good oral hygiene: Use dental floss, interdental brushes, water flossers, and a toothbrush daily to effectively remove plaque.
Rinse your mouth properly: After each meal, use mouthwash to remove plaque and prevent bacteria from accumulating in the interdental gaps.
Apply a cold compress if sensitive: Wrap ice in a thin cloth and gently apply it around the mouth area for 5 – 10 minutes to alleviate tooth sensitivity after stripping.
Eat soft, easily digestible foods: Only consume soft, smooth, easy-to-chew and swallow foods like porridge, soup, vermicelli, and pho for the first 2 – 3 days to avoid putting pressure on the newly stripped teeth.
Limit harmful foods and drinks: Avoid iced water and carbonated drinks as they can weaken tooth enamel and easily cause tooth sensitivity. Do not consume foods that are too cold, too hot, too chewy, or too hard to prevent tooth damage.
Interdental stripping is a dental aesthetic procedure that needs to be performed carefully. Before making a decision, you should consult with a specialist dentist for specific advice on your tooth condition and the most suitable method.
