Interproximal enamel reduction as a part of orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Interproximal enamel reduction is a part of orthodontic treatment for gaining a modest amount of space in the treatment of crowding. Today interproximal enamel reduction has become a viable alternative to the extraction of permanent teeth, and helps to adjust the Bolton Index discrepancy. The aim of the study is to evaluate various interproximal enamel reduction techniques, its indications, contraindications and complications presented in recent scientific studies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Papers published in English language between 2003 and 2012 were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect and The Cochrane Library databases, as well as the Web search Google Scholar. Initial searches were made to find peer-reviewed systematic reviews, meta-analyses, literature reviews, clinical trials, which analysed at least one interproximal enamel reduction method. 31 published data fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS: According to the study, abrasive metal strips, diamond-coated stripping disks, and air-rotor stripping are the main interproximal enamel reduction techniques. Indications for use are mild or moderate crowding in dental arches, Bolton Index discrepancy, changes in tooth shape and dental esthetics within the enamel, enhancement of retention and stability after orthodontic treatment, normalization of gingival contour, elimination of black gingival triangles, and correction of the Curve of Spee. Complications of interproximal enamel reduction are hypersensitivity, irreversible damage of dental pulp, increased formation of plaque, the risk of caries in the stripped enamel areas and periodontal diseases.
CONCLUSION: Interproximal enamel reduction is an important part of orthodontic treatment for gaining space in the dental arch, and for the correction of the Bolton index discrepancy.