Do you suffer from an overbite or an underbite? Have you been dreading the thought of headgear or tooth extractions? In the past, bite issues were challenging to correct, but all that has changed in recent years. The carriere distalizer is a revolutionary device that can help correct the alignment of your teeth without headgear or extractions. At M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, we offer this treatment to patients whose smiles could benefit from bite corrections.
This device is a simple yet sophisticated way to pull the teeth back, creating space for proper alignment. It allows crooked teeth to slide into their correct places more easily and is often used before the application of braces. While its primary use is in the correction of overbites, it is sometimes used for underbites as well.
Unlike headgear, this device works entirely within the mouth. To apply it, we first create two anchor points: one on either side of your lower back teeth. We then attach two bars that extend from your upper back molars to your front canine tooth. Rubber bands connect the upper teeth to the lower anchor point, creating pressure that gradually moves the upper teeth back and improves the bite.
Overbites are some of the most common problems we see. They occur when the front teeth extend far past the bottom teeth, causing the top and bottom parts of the jaw to line up incorrectly. By definition, an overlap of 30-50% is considered an overbite. In almost all cases, this changes the aesthetics of the patient’s face. In severe situations, it can lead to chronic pain and make a person more susceptible to dental problems.
There are several factors that can lead you to develop an overbite. Often they occur as a result of genetics. If your parents have or had malocclusion issues, you are likely to inherit them. Depending on the size and shape of your jaw and your teeth, overcrowding can lead to alignment problems. Other times, pressure from inside the mouth can push the front teeth forward over time. This sometimes happens when children suck their thumbs for too long. Adults can also induce an overbite through habits like nail-biting or pen-chewing.
When you have an overbite, correcting the alignment of your teeth is extremely difficult. This is because, often, there is no room for crooked teeth to straighten themselves in response to treatment. Overbites cause the front teeth to protrude, often to an extreme extent. This results in a noticeable misalignment of your teeth. Depending on the severity of your overbite, it could affect your profile, creating an impact on your appearance even when your mouth is closed. When the front teeth protrude considerably, they push out the upper lip. This could make your cheeks look sunken and your jaw appear under-defined.
By bringing the upper teeth back, the carrier distalizer makes room for the correction of protruding teeth. This can improve the appearance of your alignment, allow your lip to rest in a more natural position, and improve the balance of your facial features.
Severe overbites can cause the teeth to grind against each other, wearing down their protective enamel. As a result, you become more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Correcting the bite issue can bring your teeth back into alignment and prevent them from damaging each other. You will enjoy better hygiene and better dental health going forward after the treatment.
When your front teeth protrude considerably, it puts you at risk of injury. If anything hits your mouth or you fall down while playing sports or doing any other activity, your teeth could damage the inside of your mouth.
The alignment of your teeth determines how well they work for everyday uses, like chewing and speaking. Bite issues can create problems in eating food comfortably and even swallowing. Some people develop speech impediments as the result of an overbite. If you have any of these issues, this treatment can make you more comfortable and provide relief.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a condition that can develop if bite issues go untreated. It results from severe misplacement of the jaw. This condition can lead to chronic pain.
While poor hygiene, tooth wear, injuries, trouble chewing, and speech impediments are the main concerns, several other issues have been linked to overbites. They include:
This device offers discrete, effective treatment for overbites. At the same time, it allows you to avoid many of the inconveniences that were previously associated with solving bite problems. Here are some of its advantages:
If your orthodontic plan involves braces, correcting bite issues first will make your treatment faster and more effective. Braces are an incredibly versatile means of correcting mild to severe alignment issues. They can help you maintain good hygiene, improve your appearance, and avoid chronic conditions. However, they can only work if there is space for the teeth to move in response to the pressure they create. This device can provide the necessary room that will allow your braces to do their job.
Two other means of making space for alignment correction are headgear and tooth extractions. We understand why many patients are reluctant to pursue either of these options. Headgear involves orthodontic devices that go around the outside of your head. Before the carrier distalizer, patients who had bite problems often had to undergo the bulkiness of this treatment for a while.
In some situations, pulling the teeth that are in the way can free up the necessary space. However, most people don’t like the idea of losing their teeth. The carrier distalizer can correct bite issues and make space for your teeth to move into place without cumbersome headgear or extractions.
Unlike headgear, which shows on the outside, this device works on the inside of your mouth. You will be happy to learn that it is actually quite small. It attaches at the sides and the back, meaning that even when you open your lips to speak or smile, it shows very little.
With this device, you can see dramatic changes in your bite within a short amount of time. Most patients are done after just a few months.
Bite issues have a more significant impact on your appearance than other orthodontic conditions because they affect the way your jaw lines up and how your lips fit around your teeth. Correcting these issues can increase your self-esteem. This treatment also paves the way for braces, which can straighten your teeth fully.
After getting the orthodontic care you need, you will look and feel great on special occasions and in your everyday life. Imagine having a beautifully straight smile for your prom, graduation, wedding or any other important event. Imagine never feeling self-conscious when you smile for photographs. Straighter teeth also mean better hygiene, which can help you avoid bad breath. All of these advantages point can have a hugely positive impact on your life.
While bite issues are easier to correct in children, it’s never too late to get the orthodontic treatments you need. This device works on both children and adults. If you have been waiting for a life-changing improvement in your smile, now is a great time to get orthodontic care. On the other hand, if your child is the one who has an overbite, there is no reason to wait to get it corrected. The carriere distalizer can help avoid more costly, time-consuming treatments later.
Normally, patients who receive this treatment wear the device for three to five months.
For the most part, this device will correct your bite on its own. You will remove the rubber bands to eat, so just make sure you put them back in your mouth when you are finished. Wearing them consistently is crucial for this treatment to be effective. As you would with braces, avoid eating excessively chewy foods that could dislodge the anchors or the bars. We will provide you with a full list of foods to avoid when you come in.
Beyond a few food restrictions, this treatment does not have a big impact on your life. You can continue to play sports and enjoy all your normal activities while your bite is being corrected.
If you would like more information on this treatment and the condition of your teeth in general, schedule a consultation with us. Orthodontic care varies greatly from person to person, so it is important that we take a look at your teeth to determine which course of action is best for you. We can do a number of things that will help you understand your orthodontic needs. First, we will examine your bite and the alignment of your teeth. The examination can include X-rays that will give us a clear view of how your bones are currently placed. Afterward, we will be able to make personalized recommendations for your care.
The consultation is a great time for you to ask all of the questions you have. We will explain the best treatment options and give you estimates for how long they will take. Together, we can start a journey that will lead to an amazing smile and excellent dental health.
Today, orthodontic solutions are faster, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before. If you are one of the millions of people who have an overbite, this treatment could be a great option for you. It corrects bite issues and relieves overcrowding without tooth extractions or headgear. It is especially helpful for patients who need to create space before they have braces. After this treatment, you can enjoy improvements to your profile, better dental health, and relief from chronic conditions. More about carriere distalizer.
For more information about this treatment, contact M. Scott Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL. We look forward to providing you with orthodontic care that will improve the quality of your life.
Orthodontics is a process that takes time rather than delivering instant results. Each phase is…
For many, not starting the day with a cup of coffee is unimaginable. However, this…
Maintaining oral health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. A radiant smile not only…
Orthodontic braces are removed once all teeth have moved to desired positions in the dental…
If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on the quality of your…
Metal braces are the most traditional way to straighten your teeth, but with so many…