Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion, are a common concern among parents seeking orthodontic solutions for their children. Traditional braces and aligners often correct these issues by mechanically moving teeth into their proper positions. However, the Myobrace system offers a different approach by addressing the root causes of misalignment rather than just the symptoms. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we use the Myobrace to promote natural teeth alignment and healthier oral habits, providing children with long-term benefits that go beyond a straighter smile.
What Causes Misaligned Teeth?
Before understanding how the Myobrace works, it’s essential to know why teeth become misaligned. Misalignment often results from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. While genetics play a role in jaw size and tooth shape, poor oral habits, such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing patterns, are significant contributors to malocclusion.
These habits can affect the growth and development of the jaw, leading to issues like crowding, spacing, overbites, or underbites. For example:
- Mouth breathing limits jaw development by altering tongue posture, which can narrow the dental arches.
- Thumb sucking exerts pressure on the front teeth, causing them to protrude.
- Tongue thrusting pushes teeth forward, leading to spacing or open bites.
The Myobrace addresses these underlying issues by retraining oral habits and guiding proper jaw growth.
How the Myobrace Works
The Myobrace is a pre-orthodontic treatment system designed for children aged 3 to 15. It consists of a series of removable appliances that are worn for 1-2 hours during the day and overnight while sleeping. These appliances work by correcting oral habits, promoting jaw development, and naturally aligning teeth over time.
Here’s how the Myobrace treats misaligned teeth:
1. Correcting Poor Oral Habits
The first step in Myobrace treatment is to address habits that interfere with proper dental and jaw development. The Myobrace system encourages:
- Nasal Breathing: By training children to breathe through their noses, the Myobrace supports natural jaw expansion and improves overall health.
- Proper Tongue Posture: The appliance encourages the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth, a key factor in developing a wide and well-formed dental arch.
- Correct Swallowing Patterns: The Myobrace helps retrain the tongue to move correctly during swallowing, reducing pressure on the teeth and jaws.
- Lip Closure: The appliance promotes keeping lips together when not speaking or eating, which supports proper muscle function around the mouth.
By addressing these habits early, the Myobrace creates a foundation for better dental alignment and jaw growth.
2. Guiding Jaw Development
The Myobrace helps guide natural jaw growth to ensure there’s enough space for all teeth to align properly. Many misalignment issues, such as crowding, occur because the jaws are underdeveloped and too small to accommodate all the teeth. The Myobrace gently applies pressure to widen the upper and lower arches, creating the space needed for teeth to erupt in their correct positions.
This focus on jaw development also helps improve bite alignment by addressing structural issues like overbites or underbites, which result from discrepancies in jaw size or positioning.
3. Aligning Teeth Naturally
Once oral habits are corrected and the jaws are properly developed, the Myobrace works to align the teeth naturally as they grow. The appliance uses light forces to guide teeth into their ideal positions without the need for brackets or wires. This stage of treatment is particularly effective for children as their jaws and teeth are still developing, making them more responsive to gentle adjustments.
4. Improving Facial Development
By supporting proper jaw growth and correcting poor oral habits, the Myobrace not only aligns teeth but also promotes balanced facial development. This approach helps avoid issues like a recessed chin or elongated face, which can result from mouth breathing or improper jaw growth.
The Benefits of Using Myobrace for Misaligned Teeth
Unlike traditional braces, which focus solely on straightening teeth, the Myobrace provides a comprehensive solution that improves both dental and overall health. Key benefits include:
- Non-Invasive Treatment: The Myobrace does not require brackets, wires, or extractions, making it a comfortable and non-invasive option for children.
- Prevention of Future Issues: By addressing the causes of misalignment early, the Myobrace reduces the likelihood of requiring extensive orthodontic treatment later.
- Holistic Health Improvements: Encouraging nasal breathing and proper oral posture improves not only dental alignment but also sleep quality, respiratory health, and overall well-being.
- Minimal Retention Requirements: Because the Myobrace focuses on habit correction and natural development, the results are often more stable, reducing the need for permanent retainers.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The Myobrace is most effective when started early, ideally between the ages of 3 and 10. During this time, children’s jaws are still growing, making it easier to guide their development and correct poor habits. Early intervention can prevent severe misalignment issues and set the stage for a lifetime of healthier smiles.
Is the Myobrace Right for Your Child?
If your child shows signs of misaligned teeth, mouth breathing, or other oral habits, the Myobrace may be an excellent solution. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we specialize in Myobrace treatment to help children achieve naturally aligned teeth and improved oral health. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how the Myobrace can benefit your child and support a confident, healthy smile for years to come.
