Maintain Your Perfect Smile
Are you worried about keeping your teeth straight after orthodontic treatment? At DeQuattro Orthodontics, our skilled orthodontist in Wakefield and Westerly, RI, offers a solution beyond retainers: tooth width adjustment. This innovative technique can help you maintain your beautifully aligned smile for years by carefully reshaping your teeth to create the necessary space for alignment.
To schedule a consultation, call our Wakefield dental office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly dental office at (401) 596-2264 today! We proudly serve patients from Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and throughout Rhode Island.
What is Tooth Width Adjustment?
Tooth width adjustment, also known as interproximal reduction (IPR), involves gently removing a small amount of enamel from the sides of your teeth. This procedure creates space for better alignment, helping to correct crowded or misaligned teeth without extractions. The result is a more harmonious and stable smile.
Why Choose DeQuattro Orthodontics for Tooth Width Adjustment?
Precision and expertise you can trust for over 30 years in Rhode Island! Dr. DeQuattro combines advanced IPR techniques with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal results while preserving your natural tooth structure. Our state-of-the-art Wakefield and Westerly offices feature the latest technology for precise, comfortable tooth width adjustments.
Conservative, effective treatment that preserves your natural smile. We prioritize minimally invasive approaches that achieve maximum results. With flexible scheduling across our convenient Rhode Island locations and transparent pricing, we make advanced orthodontic refinements accessible for every patient seeking their perfect smile.
Benefits of Tooth Width Adjustment
Tooth width adjustment offers several notable benefits for patients seeking orthodontic treatment. This technique provides the following advantages:
- Improved Alignment: Precise reshaping ensures better positioning of your teeth.
- Space Creation: Ideal for crowded teeth, eliminating the need for extractions.
- Long-Lasting Stability: Reduces the chance of teeth shifting post-treatment.
- Enhanced Functionality: Promotes a proper bite for comfortable chewing and speaking.
- Minimally Invasive: Only a small amount of enamel is removed, preserving tooth structure.
- Versatility: This can be combined with braces or clear aligners for tailored treatment.
Tooth Width Adjustment Process
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. DeQuattro for a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll discuss your goals and determine if IPR is right for you. He will conduct a thorough examination, including dental X-rays and impressions, to assess your dental structure and spacing needs.
Procedure
If tooth width adjustment is deemed suitable, Dr. DeQuattro will proceed by carefully removing a small amount of enamel from the outer surface of the teeth in specific areas. This process can be done manually or with a specialized dental handpiece designed for precision and minimal invasiveness.
The amount of enamel removed is carefully measured to align with your treatment goals and maintain the natural structure of your teeth. IPR can be performed alone or with other orthodontic treatments, such as braces or clear aligners. In some cases, front teeth are contoured during or after orthodontic treatment to enhance their appearance.
Aftercare
After the procedure, Dr. DeQuattro will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and maintaining excellent oral hygiene. You will also receive guidance on scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Ideal Candidates for Tooth Width Adjustment
Before you’re approved for IPR, your orthodontist will consider the followings:
- The size and shape of your teeth
- Your tooth positions and alignment
- Your facial features
You may not qualify for tooth width adjustment if you have decayed teeth, unhealthy gums, or infected dental pulp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much enamel is removed during tooth width adjustment?
Dr. DeQuattro typically removes only 0.2-0.5 millimeters of enamel per tooth surface—less than the thickness of a credit card. This minimal amount is carefully measured and planned to create the necessary space while preserving your tooth’s natural strength and structure. The adjustment is so subtle that most patients don’t notice any difference in how their teeth feel.
How long do the results of tooth width adjustment last?
The results of IPR are permanent since the enamel that’s removed doesn’t grow back. However, maintaining your results depends on consistent retainer wear and proper oral care. Patients who follow Dr. DeQuattro’s post-treatment instructions typically enjoy stable, well-aligned smiles for years to come.
What’s the difference between IPR and tooth extraction for creating space?
Tooth width adjustment is a more conservative approach that preserves all your natural teeth while creating small amounts of space. Extractions remove entire teeth and are typically reserved for severe crowding cases. Dr. DeQuattro prefers IPR when possible, as it maintains your natural bite and facial profile while achieving excellent alignment results.
How much does tooth width adjustment cost in Rhode Island?
The cost of IPR varies depending on how many teeth require adjustment and whether it’s part of a comprehensive orthodontic treatment plan. During your consultation at our Wakefield or Westerly office, Dr. DeQuattro will provide transparent pricing and discuss how IPR fits into your overall treatment investment and insurance coverage.
Receive a New Look at DeQuattro Orthodontics. Schedule Now!
Help your smile stay perfectly aligned with tooth width adjustments at DeQuattro Orthodontics. Call our Wakefield office at (401) 783-9890 or our Westerly office at (401) 596-2264, or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Wakefield, Westerly, Narragansett, South Kingstown, Charlestown, Weekapaug, and the surrounding areas.