Friendly Orthodontics Tips and Guidance

Early childhood is a crucial time for dental development, and poor oral habits during these formative years can lead to misalignment issues that persist into adulthood. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we see how habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can impact teeth alignment and jaw development, often resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment later on. By addressing these habits early, parents can help set their children on the path to a healthy, well-aligned smile. Here’s a closer look at how some common oral habits in childhood affect teeth alignment—and how early intervention can make a difference. Thumb and Finger Sucking Thumb and finger sucking are natural reflexes for babies and [...]

Teeth alignment is influenced by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. While lifestyle habits and early childhood behaviors play a significant role in how teeth and jaws develop, genetics also play an important role in determining the size, shape, and structure of teeth and jaws. Understanding how genetics impact teeth alignment can give insight into why certain alignment issues arise and how they may be addressed. How Genetics Influence Teeth Alignment Teeth alignment is shaped by a mix of genetic and environmental factors, but genetics play a significant foundational role. The size, shape, and position of teeth and jaws are largely inherited, and these genetic traits impact whether teeth align properly or develop issues like crowding, gaps, and [...]

Misaligned teeth and jaws are common orthodontic issues that can affect the appearance, function, and health of a person’s mouth. Misalignment, also known as malocclusion, refers to teeth that do not meet correctly when the jaws are closed. In addition to affecting the look of a smile, misaligned teeth and jaws can impact speech, breathing, chewing, and overall oral health. Understanding the causes and effects of misaligned teeth and jaws—and exploring treatment options—can help children and adults achieve healthier, more functional smiles. What Causes Misaligned Teeth and Jaws? While genetics play a role in jaw size and tooth alignment, environmental and lifestyle factors often contribute significantly to misalignment. Common causes of misaligned teeth and jaws include: Genetic [...]

Mouth breathing and teeth misalignment are often interconnected, each potentially exacerbating the other. Teeth misalignment, also known as malocclusion, can lead to mouth breathing by altering jaw structure, reducing nasal passage space, and impacting the resting posture of the tongue. Mouth breathing, in turn, may worsen dental alignment, making this a cycle with potential impacts on overall health and facial development. Understanding how teeth misalignment can cause mouth breathing—and why addressing it early is crucial—can help parents support better respiratory and dental health for their children. The Link Between Teeth Misalignment and Mouth Breathing Teeth misalignment and mouth breathing are frequently connected because of the way malocclusion affects the structure and function of the jaw, airway, and oral posture. [...]

Diet plays a significant role in dental health and can directly impact how teeth align as they grow. While genetics certainly influence jaw size and teeth alignment, modern research shows that diet and chewing habits can significantly affect jaw development, dental arch formation, and even overall facial structure. Here’s how dietary habits impact teeth alignment and why balanced nutrition is crucial for a healthy smile. The Role of Hard, Nutrient-Dense Foods in Jaw Development Historically, humans consumed diets that were much tougher and required more vigorous chewing. Hard, fibrous foods such as raw vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and nuts stimulate jaw muscles and help the jaw grow to its full genetic potential. Regular chewing of firm [...]

The Myobrace System is an innovative orthodontic treatment that goes beyond just straightening teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which primarily focus on correcting misalignment, Myobrace addresses the root causes of crooked teeth by correcting poor oral habits, encouraging proper jaw growth, and supporting overall health. This pre-orthodontic approach is suitable for children as young as three and has benefits that extend well beyond dental alignment, impacting areas such as breathing, sleep, and facial development. Here’s how the Myobrace System promotes both health and development in children, making it a powerful, preventive solution for families seeking more than just a straight smile. Encourages Proper Jaw Development A common reason for crowded or misaligned teeth is underdeveloped jaws, which may [...]

At Ahava Orthodontics, we know that teeth don’t become misaligned by chance. Most cases of crooked teeth, known as malocclusion, stem from improper jaw development rather than from genetics alone. This restricted development limits the space available for erupting teeth, preventing them from aligning in their natural positions. Myobrace offers an innovative, preventive approach that addresses the underlying causes of malocclusion, giving children the opportunity for proper dental and facial development early on—often without the need for braces or tooth extractions later. Malocclusion: What Causes Misaligned Teeth? Malocclusion is frequently the result of poor jaw development rather than the size or shape of the teeth themselves. When a child’s upper and lower jaws don’t grow sufficiently, there’s [...]

he Myobrace System is an innovative, pre-orthodontic treatment designed to address the underlying causes of crooked teeth by correcting oral habits, supporting natural jaw growth, and promoting healthy alignment. The primary goal of Myobrace is to create an environment that allows for natural development of both the jaw and teeth, often minimizing or eliminating the need for traditional braces or tooth extractions. For children between the ages of 3 and 15, Myobrace offers a unique way to achieve not just straighter teeth but also improved facial development, overall health, and the opportunity to reach their genetic potential. Here’s a look at how Myobrace helps children achieve these treatment goals and the conditions it can help correct. Straighter [...]

The Myobrace System is a pre-orthodontic treatment designed to correct the underlying causes of crooked teeth, typically without the need for braces or extractions. Ideal for children between the ages of 3 and 15, Myobrace uses a series of removable intraoral appliances that work to correct poor oral habits, develop the jaw, and align the teeth as they grow. This non-invasive approach unlocks a child’s natural potential for proper jaw and dental development, supporting a healthier smile over time. What Does Myobrace Do? The Myobrace treatment focuses on optimizing several key areas of oral health and function: Correcting Poor Oral Habits: Many children develop habits that contribute to misalignment, such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or improper [...]

Crooked teeth in children are more common than ever, often becoming noticeable as early as five years of age. While many believe genetics are responsible, recent research suggests that environmental factors and specific oral habits may be more to blame. Understanding these causes can help parents and caregivers take proactive steps to support their child’s healthy dental and facial development. Common Misconceptions: Is Genetics Really to Blame? For years, the idea that crooked teeth were purely genetic has been widely accepted. It seemed logical: if a parent or grandparent had crowded or misaligned teeth, it was assumed their children would likely inherit the same traits. However, modern studies have started to shift this understanding, highlighting that certain [...]