The Carriere Appliance also known as a distalizer is an appliance that is used for the correction of a class II bite, where the upper teeth are too far forward in respect to the lower teeth.
It is used to correct the bite before attaching regular braces, which improves patient compliance as cooperation tends to be best at the beginning of treatment.
How does the Carriere Appliance work?
Bands are placed around the lower first molars which creates an anchor for the elastics to attach to the side bar. The side bar, or distalizer, is bonded from the cuspid to the first molar on the upper teeth. An elastic is then stretched from the bar to the band. This distalizer can be worn on one or both sides of the mouth. With good compliance, the bite can be corrected in about three to six months, depending on the severity of the bite problem. Once the bite is corrected, the Carriere Appliance is removed and regular braces are put on to finish aligning and straightening the teeth.
What are the advantages?
The Carriere Appliance is modeled after a human ball-and-socket joint, which allows the first molar to rotate as necessary while it is moving back. It allows for looseness in the dental movements. The device is designed to prevent over-rotation or tipping while the stiffness of the arm keeps the spacing exact between the premolars. The system is designed to work in harmony with the body’s own natural movements while also being significantly more comfortable to wear than traditional headgear. While producing light and uniform force, the Carriere Appliance averages distalization results of anywhere from 3mm to 6mm. This beginning stage of treatment allows for this because it operates without competing forces. Carriere Appliance provide fast, natural and gentle correction to allow you to proceed with your dental treatment with as little hassle as possible.
