Maintain Your Perfect Smile with Exceptional Orthodontic Care
Finishing braces or Invisalign® treatment is an exciting milestone—but keeping your teeth beautifully aligned afterward requires ongoing care. While retainers play a critical role, many patients need additional refinement to ensure long-term stability. That’s where tooth width adjustment, also known as interproximal reduction (IPR), comes in.
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, our skilled orthodontist in Wakefield and Westerly, RI, provides this advanced technique to help you achieve optimal results in your orthodontic journey. By carefully reshaping the sides of your teeth, we create just the right amount of space for alignment, preventing crowding and maintaining a perfect smile for life.
Ready to learn if this orthodontic treatment is right for you? Call our Wakefield orthodontic office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly orthodontic office at (401) 596-2264 to schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve patients across Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and surrounding Rhode Island communities.
What Is Tooth Width Adjustment?
Tooth width adjustment (IPR) is a safe, conservative orthodontic procedure where a very small amount of enamel is removed from the sides of selected teeth. By doing so, we can:
- Create space for crowded teeth without requiring extractions
- Improve the fit of your bite for better function and oral health
- Prevent relapse, reducing the risk of teeth shifting back after treatment
- Enhance the shape and proportion of teeth for a more balanced smile
Because only the outer enamel layer is treated (which has no nerves), the procedure is painless and preserves your natural tooth structure. It’s often performed in conjunction with braces or clear aligners to achieve the best alignment.
Why Choose DeQuattro Orthodontics for Tooth Width Adjustment?
When it comes to fine-tuning your smile, precision matters. Patients throughout Rhode Island choose DeQuattro Orthodontics for our:
- 30+ Years of Experience: Dr. Frank DeQuattro has helped thousands of children, teens, and adults achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Our Wakefield and Westerly orthodontic offices utilize the latest technology for safe, accurate, and comfortable treatments.
- Personalized Care: Every plan is custom-made to match your unique needs and smile goals.
- Professional and Welcoming Team: From the first orthodontist visit to completing treatment, we provide a warm, pleasant environment where patients of all ages feel at ease.
- Focus on Oral Health: Our conservative approach preserves as much enamel as possible while ensuring long-lasting results.
Whether you’re an adult perfecting your smile with Invisalign® or a teen completing traditional braces, our practice ensures your treatment is precise, effective, and comfortable.
Benefits of Tooth Width Adjustment
Tooth width adjustment offers several key advantages:
- Improved Alignment: Creates the right amount of spacing for straighter, more uniform teeth.
- Prevents Relapse: Reduces the risk of shifting after orthodontic treatment, ensuring your beautiful smile lasts.
- Supports Bite Function: Helps balance how your upper and lower teeth meet for better chewing, speaking, and overall comfort.
- Minimally Invasive: Removes only a small portion of enamel, keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
- Versatile Treatment: Works with both clear aligners (Invisalign®) and metal braces, depending on your orthodontic journey.
- Enhances Smile Appearance: In some cases, IPR is used for cosmetic contouring, improving tooth shape and harmony.
The Tooth Width Adjustment Process at Our Rhode Island Orthodontic Offices
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we make sure every step of your treatment is clear and comfortable:
1. Initial Consultation
During your orthodontic consultation, Dr. DeQuattro will carefully examine your teeth and bite, using X-rays, impressions, or digital scans. We’ll discuss your smile goals, explain the treatment options, and decide if tooth width adjustment is right for you.
2. The Procedure
If IPR is recommended, Dr. DeQuattro will gently reduce enamel between specific teeth. This may be done with fine dental strips or a specialized handpiece designed for accuracy. The amount of enamel removed is minimal—measured in fractions of a millimeter—and carefully calculated to achieve optimal results without harming your natural teeth.
3. Aftercare and Progress
Following the procedure, you may notice slight sensitivity, though most patients experience little to no discomfort. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to keep your teeth healthy. Regular checkups allow us to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment stays on track.
Who Is a Candidate for Tooth Width Adjustment?
Tooth width adjustment may be recommended if you have:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Teeth that are slightly misaligned or overlapping
- A need for extra space to finish your orthodontic treatment
- Teeth that look slightly uneven in size or proportion
However, not all patients are candidates. If you have cavities, gum disease, or weakened enamel, other treatments may be recommended first. Our professional orthodontic team will evaluate your smile and recommend the safest, most effective plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tooth width adjustment take at an orthodontist near me in Wakefield or Westerly, RI?
Most tooth-width adjustment procedures can be completed in just one appointment, typically lasting 10–30 minutes depending on how many teeth are involved.
Does tooth width adjustment hurt?
No. The tooth width adjustment procedure is painless because it only affects the enamel. Some patients may feel slight vibration, but there is rarely any discomfort.
Is IPR safe for my teeth and gums?
Yes. Studies and the American Association of Orthodontists support IPR as a safe, effective technique when performed by an experienced orthodontist.
Does dental insurance cover tooth width adjustment?
Insurance coverage for tooth-width adjustment treatment depends on your provider. Our team will review your insurance coverage and provide clear guidance on costs before treatment begins.
Enhance and Maintain Your Smile in Rhode Island
At DeQuattro Orthodontics, we believe every patient deserves a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether you’re finishing Invisalign®, adjusting after braces, or exploring options for your child’s orthodontic care, our team is here to help you achieve and maintain your smile goals.
- Wakefield Office – Call (401) 783-9890
Westerly Office – Call (401) 596-2264
Or request your appointment online today to discover the difference in exceptional orthodontic care near you. Our orthodontist near you proudly serves Wakefield, Westerly, Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and the surrounding areas.