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Open bites are known for their distinct gap between your upper and lower jaw. You have an anterior open bite when the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet, but the back teeth do. Alternatively, you have a posterior open bite when the back teeth don’t come into contact other than the front teeth. Both types of open bites can be fixed with orthodontic treatments and the help of Dr. Juan and the Seabreeze Orthodontics team.
Pitts21 Braces
Pitts21 braces were produced by Dr. Thomas Pitts, who also helped create Damon braces with Dr. Dwight Damon. Partnering with OC Orthodontics5, Dr. Pitts then introduced the revolutionary H4 brackets.
Though smaller than traditional brackets, H4 brackets require thinner archwires, ensuring faster treatment and maximum comfort. Like Damon braces, Pitts21 braces are self-ligating. This means brackets have “doors” or clips where Dr. Juan can lock the memory archwire in place without the need for elastic ligatures.
What to Expect With Your Pitts 21 Treatment
Pitts21 braces work similarly to conventional metal braces. Though they still exert pressure on your smile, the sensation is gentler and more bearable for our patients in Myrtle Beach. On average, it goes away after three to five days.
The memory archwire will gradually (and precisely) move your pearly whites into their correct positions, resulting in a more aligned, no-gap smile. Because of this, Pitts21 braces eliminate the need for tightening and adjustment. Plus, this appliance simplifies oral hygiene and gives you peace of mind, as the wire won’t poke and irritate your mouth.
Throughout your open bite treatment, Dr. Juan will only change the memory archwire four times. Not only does it make it easy for your wallet, it also requires fewer trips to the clinic — cutting treatment time to as little as four months.
Damon Braces
Damon braces are less noticeable than metal braces. These self-ligating appliances are also more comfortable and don’t require much maintenance.
What to Expect With Damon Braces Treatment
Damon braces operate the same way as Pitts21 braces. What makes Damon braces stand out is its ability to give you that signature Damon smile. As the braces gradually move your teeth and eliminate the gap in your mouth, your smile will sport a distinct, natural-looking arch. With more of your pearly whites showing in your mouth, your smile becomes a beacon of radiance and attractiveness.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are our go-to treatment option for patients with severe open bites. These classic workhorses know no age, and they provide exceptional results with the help of their bracket-and-wire system.
The metal components of our braces are crafted from high-quality, medical-grade stainless steel, so rest assured that they can withstand the rigors of everyday wear.
What to Expect With Your Metal Braces Treatment
It’s important to first learn about the parts of braces. Metal braces consist of the following components:
- Brackets: These small braces components are attached to your teeth using a special adhesive.
- Elastics: Available in different colors, elastic ligatures are secured around the hooks of the brackets. Elastic bands can also be attached to the hooks of the upper and lower brackets.
- Archwire: This component connects all the brackets and may be curved to encourage precise teeth movement. At Dr. Juan’s discretion, the archwire may be trimmed to help meet treatment goals.
After getting your braces, the archwire places gentle pressure on your smile to correct your open bite. Every four to six weeks, we’ll adjust and tighten your braces. During these visits, our smile team will replace the elastics and adjust the archwire according to your treatment’s progress.
Metal braces treatment may last anything between 18 to 22 months. Interestingly, we had patients in Myrtle Beach who underwent treatment for only six months. However, we also had patients with complex open bites who wore metal braces for three years.
Overall, the duration may vary depending on the severity of your open bite. During your initial consultation, Dr. Juan and his team will assess your smile and inform you when you should expect to complete your treatment.
Clear Aligners/Invisalign
Seabreeze Orthodontics offers both Invisalign and in-house aligners. Clear aligner trays are the epitome of discreteness — just place them in your mouth, and no one will notice you’re getting your open bite treated. They’re comfortable and removable, too. Our team always advises patients not to eat with their dental appliances to avoid damage.
What to Expect With Clear Aligner Treatment
After Dr. Juan creates clear aligners based on the 3D impression of your smile, you’ll wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day — switching to a new one every two weeks for 9 to 15 months. As with our other treatment options, our clear aligners exert gentle pressure to gradually align your teeth and close the gap between your upper and lower jaws. By the end of your treatment, your smile will be more attractive than ever before.
A Straighter Smile for A Beautiful You
Whether your open bite comes from thumb-sucking, genetics or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, Dr. Juan and the Seabreeze Orthodontics team will help you get your smile on track.
Schedule your free consultation today and come visit our office in Myrtle Beach!