Interproximal reduction (IPR) is all about the small but essential modifications needed to ensure a desired outcome. But when it’s inefficient or inaccurate, something as small as polishing the tiniest sliver of enamel can lead to big problems, which is why using efficient and durable IPR instruments and tools can spell the difference between success or failure during interproximal adjustments.
It’s with this in mind that Microcopy offers its NeoDiamond IPR Strips. These minimally invasive single-use strips enable precise interproximal adjustments and curve easily around the tooth for use in hard-to-reach areas. And with a variety of designs and grits, clinicians can make needed adjustments in a range of procedures with absolute confidence.
Dr. Stephen Rosenberg previously experienced IPR instruments that were “not very efficient, easy to use, or durable,” and he was thrilled when he discovered that “the NeoDiamond IPR Strips made the IPR process easier and produced a better result in less time.” Calling the strips “quite close to perfect in design” and “better than similar products,” Dr. Rosenberg explained, “The width allows them to stay in the interproximal contact area better than narrower strips, and they have just the right amount of stiffness to get between tight contacts but are flexible enough to bend as needed.”
Strip Design and Variety
The 10 stainless-steel strips, some solid and some perforated, come in a variety of grits and are coated on one or both sides with the same quality diamond grit as the company’s best-selling NeoDiamond burs. Also included is a saw blade. The strips’ flexibility makes them exceptionally easy to insert, after which they hug the contours of the natural tooth anatomy, making it easy to remove enamel or finely polish in even the tightest areas.
“The strips are well designed and very efficient, and the width and sharpness produce a better and faster IPR result,” said Dr. Rosenberg. Lance Teramoto, DDS, also liked being able to “just use them and throw them away,” and said, “The single-sided strip helped greatly to shape and smooth out any fl ash or overhang interproximally while keeping contacts intact.” Noting that the strips “adapted very well to tooth structure,” Dr. John Sullivan said the grit variations and being perforated or solid gave him “excellent control over how aggressive you choose to be when contouring interproximally” without the strip splitting or breaking. He also appreciated the cutting speed, especially with the perforated strips, and said, “The metal strips held their shape well and could be used on multiple teeth.”
“I liked that the strip had great strength and perfect thickness,” shared Dr. Cynthia Young, explaining that “the solid strips hold strong and don’t lose their diamonds or ability to perform after one tooth.” When asked about improvements, Dr. Rosenberg suggested a shorter strip version to facilitate manipulation in areas with limited space.
Quality of Interproximal Reduction
“The NeoDiamond IPR Strips allow easy access to finish my margins perfectly and restorations accurately,” said Dr. Anthony Vocaturo. For Dr. Teramoto, using the strips “kept time to a minimum vs using an interproximal needle diamond, which requires more care to prevent gouging.” After performing a bonding procedure on tooth Nos. 6–11 to even out spacing due to disproportional lateral incisors after orthodontia, Dr. Todd Phelan disclosed, “These strips helped me get the contours and contact areas just right. The patient and his mom were happy with how natural everything looked.”
Use for Multiple Indications
Whether reducing enamel in small or hard-to-reach interproximal areas, con-touring, or polishing, the strips adjust to hard-to-reach spacing with a high degree of efficacy in a variety of cases, including clear aligners, rapid orthodontic cases, classic braces, and more.
Dr. Young described the strips as “very effective” in several clear aligner cases, and James Snow, DDS, found them useful for contour changes after Class II restorations and for orthodontic cases.
Dr. Raymond Wozny was pleased when they “helped in a tough situation with stuck cement after veneer placement.” Dr. Richard Stuart called the strips a high-quality abrasive that “worked perfectly” for overhanging restorative materials, and Dr. Sullivan said they “work very well when teeth are overlapped in the anterior.”
Overall Satisfaction
All of the evaluators were clearly impressed with the innovative design and efficacy of the NeoDiamond IPR Strips, with Dr. Snow calling them “dependable and productive” and Dr. Phelan calling them “a great tool when you need something extra.”
Dr. Nathan Vassiliades found the strips “better than reusable [strips] and reliable every time, with less chair time and guesswork,” and Dr. Anthony Pan simply said, “They make my practice more efficient.” After “using diamond strips for over a decade as an essential part of my everyday practice,” Dr. Vocaturo had no suggestions for improvements, sending a clear message: “Don’t change a thing! It’s an excellent product and there’s no need to change anything.”
