Interproximal reduction of teeth: differences in perspective between orthodontists and dentists.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if interproximal reduction of teeth (IPR) is perceived differently by orthodontists and general dentists.


METHODS
A Web-based survey containing statements about IPR was developed and randomly distributed to orthodontists and general dentists.


RESULTS
The majority of orthodontists and general dentists strongly agreed that IPR is a minimally invasive procedure that poses little risk for the development of interproximal decay. However, general dentists were more likely to perform post-IPR polishing and to apply topical fluoride than are orthodontists (P < .0001). A greater percentage of orthodontists strongly believed that the esthetic and occlusal benefits of IPR outweigh the potential risk of tooth decay when IPR was performed (P < .0001). A greater percentage of general dentists were hesitant to perform IPR, despite research supporting that IPR has little negative effect on the health of teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study disproved the null hypothesis that orthodontists and general dentists share similar views regarding the use of IPR during orthodontic treatment. General dentists were more conservative in their views of IPR and were less comfortable with performing IPR as a routine procedure. General dentists felt more strongly about the importance of post-IPR polishing and application of topical fluoride. Orthodontists were more likely to have researched the long-term effects of IPR on the health of teeth and therefore felt more comfortable performing IPR during orthodontic treatment.
a   Postgraduate Orthodontic Resident, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Elvi
E
Barcoma
b   Professor and Program Director, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Bhavna
B
Shroff
c   Associate Professor and Director of Faculty Research Development, Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Al M
AM
Best
d   Private Practice, Bellingham, Wash.
Michael C
MC
Shoff
e   Norborne Muir Professor and Chair, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.
Steven J
SJ
Lindauer
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D000066792:Orthodontists / Q000523:psychology*
Dentists; Interproximal reduction; Orthodontists; Perception