The Carriere Motion Appliance, or CMA, is an orthodontic appliance designed to move your orthodontic treatment along at a faster pace and prepare you for traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners.
The Carriere Motion Appliance is incredibly efficient for correcting the “buccal segment” of your teeth, which includes the canines, premolars, and first molars on the top arch of your mouth. This section of your teeth is the most difficult to align and takes the most time. The Carriere Motion Appliance can cut down on the treatment time by up to 4 months, resulting in fewer appointments and a faster path to a straight smile.
How Does the Carriere Motion Appliance Work?
The Carriere Motion Appliance works by connecting the top canines to the back top molars and attaching to the bottom molar with a rubber band. The treatment period is typically between 3 to 6 months. Once attached, your Carriere Motion Appliance will create a gentle pressure on your teeth to straighten and rotate the molars, aligning your bite and smile.
How Long Does Carriere Motion Appliance Treatment Take?
On average, Carriere Motion Appliance treatment can take up to 6 months, if not quicker. Your orthodontist will work with your smile and evaluate the necessary treatment time based on your needs. Properly wearing the rubber bands with your Carriere Motion Appliance will help your treatment stay on track. Not wearing your rubber bands as instructed by your orthodontist can prolong your treatment.
Is Wearing the Carriere Motion Appliance Painful?
With most types of orthodontic treatment, a patient may feel some mild pain and discomfort when their appliances are first put on or after adjustments. When you get your Carriere Motion Appliance, you may notice mild discomfort in your cheeks and mouth for approximately a week.
Mild pain and discomfort can easily be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience severe pain that cannot be alleviated by over-the-counter pain medication, contact us.
How Do You Clean the Carriere Motion Appliance?
Just like with other orthodontic appliances, clean your Carriere Motion Appliance with regular brushing and flossing. Our orthodontists do encourage you to take extra time cleaning around the top arch and elastic anchors and remember to rinse your mouth with water after eating.
If you’re interested in the Carriere Motion Appliance and think it may be right for you, contact us or schedule a complimentary consultation with Ashby Park Orthodontics!