Interproximal enamel reduction (stripping): indications and enamel surface effects.

Interproxinal enamel reduction (stripping) has long been used to facilitate non-extraction treatment approaches in cases with mild to moderate anterior crowding. A wide array of methods (manual, mechanically-driven and chemical means), have been employed to remove the enamel in a controlled manner with minimum substrate alterations. The goal is to minimize roughness in the proximal surfaces to decrease the potential for undesirable hard and soft tissue effects. Although a definitive risk for severe decalcification and high probability for carious lesions has not been established, a number of concerns have been raised over the potential iatrogenic sequalae linked with the technique. This review summarizes the currently available evidence in the literature on the indications, methods and necessary safety precautions. Also, reviewed, is the methodology utilized in studies investigating the surface enamel appearance following enamel removal. The consensus of a limited number of research studies is that no specific risk for caries is associated with stripping, although long-term evidence on this issue is not currently available.