Here in Fort Worth, we help pre-teens correct teeth spacing issues early with MyoBrace—a non-invasive system that guides jaw development and sets the stage for straighter, healthier smiles.
Spacing problems in children’s teeth aren’t just cosmetic—they’re signs that the jaw may not be developing the way it should. At Ahava Orthodontics, we take a proactive approach to orthodontic care for pre-teens by focusing on prevention and growth. One of the most effective tools we use is the MyoBrace® system, a removable appliance that works with the body’s natural growth patterns to create space for adult teeth and correct bad oral habits.
Why Teeth Spacing Happens in Pre-Teens
As pre-teens transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth, their mouths are going through big changes. In an ideal situation, the jaw grows wide enough to accommodate all adult teeth in proper alignment. But when the jaw is too narrow—or habits like mouth breathing or improper tongue posture interfere—adult teeth begin to erupt in the wrong places.
This can lead to:
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Gaps between teeth
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Teeth erupting at odd angles
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Crowding in the future
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A misaligned bite
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The need for braces or extractions later
Rather than waiting for things to get worse, MyoBrace allows us to act early, guiding jaw development while there’s still time to influence growth naturally.
What is MyoBrace?
MyoBrace is a pre-orthodontic system made up of soft, removable appliances worn for just 1–2 hours each day and overnight while sleeping. These appliances gently encourage proper jaw growth while also correcting the habits that cause poor dental development.
Instead of forcing teeth into position with brackets and wires, MyoBrace focuses on correcting the underlying causes of misalignment—like incorrect tongue posture, mouth breathing, and poor swallowing technique. By fixing these root issues early, MyoBrace often prevents the need for braces or significantly reduces how long they’re needed.
How MyoBrace Creates Space for Adult Teeth
MyoBrace is more than just a retainer—it works in stages to address both form and function:
1. Correcting Oral Habits
Many spacing issues begin with poor muscle function. Kids who breathe through their mouths, rest their tongues too low, or swallow incorrectly can cause their jaws to grow too narrow. The MyoBrace appliance, combined with fun, guided exercises, retrains the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth and encourages nasal breathing. This sets the foundation for healthy, balanced jaw growth.
2. Expanding the Arch
Once habits begin to improve, the MyoBrace gently encourages the dental arch to expand to its proper size. This natural widening creates space for permanent teeth to come in without overlapping or crowding. It also helps reduce the chance of needing tooth extractions in the future.
3. Guiding Teeth into Position
As adult teeth begin to erupt, MyoBrace can help guide them into better positions by supporting proper alignment from the start. While it doesn’t “move” teeth the way braces do, it helps ensure they erupt in the right direction with enough room.
4. Long-Term Stability
After spacing and jaw development improve, we continue reinforcing healthy habits with a focus on retention. Children continue to use their MyoBrace part-time, and we monitor progress regularly to ensure the results are lasting.
Why Start MyoBrace in the Pre-Teen Years?
Ages 7–12 are a critical time in dental development. During these years, the jaw is still growing, and adult teeth are starting to erupt. That means we have a window of opportunity to intervene before spacing problems become more severe.
MyoBrace is ideal for this age group because:
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Kids are old enough to follow simple instructions and wear the appliance consistently
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The jaw is still growing and responsive to treatment
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Oral habits can be corrected more easily before they become deeply ingrained
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Pre-teens are more likely to see major benefits without needing full braces later
By addressing spacing issues early, we often avoid more invasive treatments later—and save time, money, and stress for families.
What Families Can Expect from MyoBrace at Ahava Orthodontics
We know that introducing orthodontic care to children can be intimidating, so we’ve built a program that’s supportive, kid-friendly, and easy to follow.
Here’s what parents and children can expect:
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A detailed, easy-to-understand evaluation of your child’s growth, habits, and dental development
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A customized MyoBrace treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs
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Fun and simple exercises to support habit correction at home
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Gentle guidance at every step from a team who truly cares
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Regular check-ins to track progress and make adjustments as needed
Because MyoBrace is removable, kids can eat, brush, and go about their daily lives without wires or brackets. And with consistent use and support from our team, we often see improvements in as little as a few months.
When You Want a Natural Way to Create Space for Your Child’s Teeth, We’re Here to Help
When your child shows signs of spacing or crowding, early action can make all the difference. At Ahava Orthodontics in Fort Worth, we use the MyoBrace system to gently correct harmful habits, guide jaw growth, and create space for healthy adult teeth—without waiting for things to get worse.
If you want to avoid extractions or long-term braces later, we’re here to walk with you through every step of your child’s smile journey. Schedule your free MyoBrace consultation today, and let’s build a confident, well-spaced smile the natural way.
