Impression Kit and 3D Scan Process
How do I choose between an Impression Kit or 3D Scan?
Where can I buy an Impression Kit or book a 3D Scan?
What if I don't want a 3D Scan?
How does the 3D Scan technology work?
How do I schedule a 3D Scan?
How long does a 3D Scan take?
What happens if I am late for my appointment?
Can someone walk me through using the Impression Kit?
Can I get a refund for my Impression Kit?
What if I make a mistake on my impressions?
What is the Impression Check?
I need dental work before I start
Do you fix overcrowding?
How do I return my Impression Kit?
How to do an Impression Check?
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Treatment Plan?
How long can I store Impression Putty?
What if I have a metal (back bar) retainer on just one arch of my teeth? Am I still able to have a 3D scan?
How do I cancel/re-schedule my appointment?
Do I need upper and lower impressions for straightening one set of teeth?
Can I get some dental work done in your clinic before my 3D scan?
How do I book a Video Impression Kit Consultation?
Treatment
What if I think my teeth need more movement at the end of my smile journey?
Does a licensed dentist or orthodontist review my case?
How long is the typical treatment process?
How often should I wear my aligners?
Are results guaranteed?
Will my teeth hurt during treatment?
Can I use SmileLife Clear Aligners on only my upper or lower teeth?
What's the warranty/guarantee?
What happens if I break/lose an aligner?
Why don’t my aligners cover my molars?
Can I get a filling done when I am in aligner treatment?
Can Invisible Aligners reduce the height of my longer tooth?
How can I reject my Treatment Plan?
How often do I come to the dentist once I have started my treatment?
Pricing
How much do SmileLife Clear Aligners cost?
Can I use my insurance to pay for SmileLife Clear Aligners?
Is there a money back guarantee?
Why is single arch not half price compared to dual arch?
Can I pay off my Humm by Flexi Fi plan early?
Can anyone apply for Humm by Flexi Fi finance?
What documents do I need for Humm by Flexi Fi?
Claim 20% Back with a MED 2 FORM
How long does it take to fill out the Humm by Flexi-Fi application?
What is FastLane?
SmileLife Clear Aligners
How do I know if I'm right for SmileLife Clear Aligners?
What are SmileLife Clear Aligners?
Can I use SmileLife Clear Aligners If I have missing teeth?
Am I a candidate for SmileLife Clear Aligner treatment if I have an implant?
Are SmileLife Clear Aligners trimmed in a scalloped fashion or straight across?
Do I need new impressions for the retainers after receiving dental bonding?
Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners
What if my aligners are loose?
Can I drink while wearing my aligners?
My aligners are too tight.
Whats in the ToolKit?
Are they actually invisible/discreet?
How do I remove my aligners?
If I need a bridge on one set of my teeth, can I receive treatment on the opposite set?
I have a black triangle between my teeth and gum!
What is the best way to clean my aligners?
What if I change my aligners too early or skip an aligner?
My first aligner is loose
What if I have not worn my aligners as prescribed?
Do Clear Aligners fix bites?
If I have dentures can I get Clear Aligners?
Can I receive Clear Aligner treatment if I have crowns?
My aligner is hurting, what should I do? Aligner trimming tutorial
Can Invisible Aligners fix my crossbite?
I.P.R. - Everything you need to know.
My aligner is cracked/broken, what should I do?
When will I get my aligners?
Does it fix an overbite?
Will Clear Aligners give me a lisp?
Can I wear my aligners in the gym?
I have gaps between my aligners and teeth
My aligners don't fit
SmileKit is now SmileLife
Can I get a refund for my aligners?
Shine™ Teeth Whitening
What is Shine™?
How do I use Shine™?
What does the LED Accelerator Light do?
How long does Shine™ whitening last?
How do I clean the LED accelerator light?
Can I use Shine™ if I have fillings, bonding, or veneers?
Other frequently asked questions
Do you have before and after photos of patients who have used the SmileLife Clear Aligners?
I wasn’t eligible for treatment when I purchased my impression kit or scan visit. I’ve since addressed the concerns (cavities, wisdom teeth, etc.). Can I use SmileLife now?
Is there a minimum age required to use SmileLife Clear Aligners?
What are the SmileLife teams qualifications?
Does SmileLife ship internationally?
Can I drink tea/coffee with my aligner in?
Can I get a refund for my Impression Kit?
Can I smoke with my aligners in?
What is the Smile Guarantee?
SmileLife iOS & Android App
How to do check-in photos
My QR code isn't working
How do I scan a QR code to register my Impression Kit?
How do I download the SmileApp?
AfterCare Retainers and SmileCare
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- SmileLife Clear Aligners
- I.P.R. - Everything you need to know.
I.P.R. - Everything you need to know.
Updated
by Greg D
This article will cover everything you need to know about IPR and its relation to your treatment.
What is IPR?
IPR stands for Interproximal Reduction and it is a process whereby a small metal tool is inserted between specific teeth in line with your prescribed treatment plan.
The purpose of IPR is to painlessly remove plaque and calculus build-up on your teeth which will result in additional space being created which is necessary for your teeth to align.
How long does IPR take?
Depending on the proximity of each tooth to its neighbour, IPR in total can take anywhere from 1 to 2 minutes.
The reason for this is because if one tooth is very close to another, it means that there will most likely be an additional layer of plaque and calculus between those teeth, which will need to be removed.
The process of removing both of these materials require an increased level of effort and time which may lead to 2 minutes maximum.
It's very important that these materials are removed as they can negatively affect the end results. Normally, we are specifically targeting the front 8 teeth and each of them will take around 10 seconds maximum remove the materials.
Is IPR uncomfortable?
Not at all! Our dentists compare IPR to flossing, completely comfortable.
How do you do it?
- Place the IPR tool between each target tooth and move it in an up and downward motion until it glides effortlessly.
- Now slide the IPR tool back and forth between the same tooth until again, it glides effortlessly.
Voila! All plaque and calculus build-up should now be removed, giving your teeth that extra space they need to align.
Again, the motion we're aiming for is like flossing, because we're focussing on the spaces in between each tooth and we need space mostly between the front 8 teeth in order to achieve the best results possible.
How often should you perform IPR?
IPR will be performed as required by your dentist.
Things to note:
- The frequency of IPR required may change throughout your treatment.
- IPR on each tooth will be performed until the tool slides effortlessly between the teeth.
- After consistent use, an IPR tool may become blunt and need to be changed in order for our dentist to achieve your prescribed results.
It is very important that the dentists directions are followed at all times when discussing the topic of IPR, as this will affect your results.
If you're still unclear, then check out the video attached below for more information from one of our Smile Helpers! Don't forget to hit the like and subscribe buttons to keep up to date with all new tutorials and information from our team.