At Ahava Orthodontics, we are committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that focus on both immediate and long-term oral health benefits. One of the most innovative orthodontic treatments we offer is the Myobrace, a preventive treatment system that can straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment issues without traditional braces. The Myobrace is designed to help children with developing jaws and teeth by addressing underlying habits that can contribute to misalignment, making it an ideal, non-invasive choice for parents looking to guide their child’s natural dental development.
Myobrace is more than just a way to straighten teeth—it’s a system that focuses on correcting poor oral habits that impact dental health. Unlike braces, Myobrace doesn’t rely on metal brackets or wires to pull teeth into position; instead, it helps children correct muscle and breathing habits that often lead to misaligned teeth. This comprehensive approach not only results in straighter teeth but also improves children’s overall oral function, helping them develop healthier smiles.
What Does Myobrace Do?
The Myobrace system is designed to address several common issues that contribute to crooked teeth and improper jaw development. Many children develop habits early on—such as mouth breathing, incorrect swallowing patterns, or poor tongue posture—that disrupt the normal development of the jaw and alignment of the teeth. Myobrace corrects these issues in a natural way, working with the child’s growth to guide teeth into their correct positions.
Here’s what the Myobrace system aims to achieve:
- Correcting Myofunctional Habits: Poor oral habits, known as myofunctional habits, can impact the growth of the face and jaw. These include mouth breathing, incorrect swallowing, and improper tongue positioning. Myobrace gently trains children to adopt healthier oral habits that naturally promote proper alignment.
- Guiding Natural Jaw Growth: Myobrace also helps guide jaw development. By ensuring that the jaw grows in alignment with the teeth, Myobrace supports the natural positioning of both baby and adult teeth as they come in, helping avoid major orthodontic issues later on.
- Straightening Teeth Without Braces: By encouraging correct oral posture and muscle function, Myobrace allows teeth to move into their proper positions over time, reducing or eliminating the need for traditional braces.
- Improving Breathing and Oral Health: Mouth breathing can lead to various health problems, including dental issues and respiratory problems. Myobrace encourages nose breathing, which improves overall health and reduces the risk of dental decay and gum issues.
How Does Myobrace Work?
The Myobrace system consists of a series of removable, appliance-like mouthpieces that children wear for 1-2 hours each day and while sleeping. These mouthpieces are made of soft, flexible material and are comfortable to wear. Each Myobrace appliance is designed to correct specific myofunctional habits over a series of phases, with each appliance focusing on different aspects of development.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Myobrace works, step-by-step:
- Phase 1: Habit Correction
In the first phase, the Myobrace helps children break poor oral habits that lead to misalignment. This includes retraining the tongue to rest properly against the roof of the mouth, encouraging closed-lip nasal breathing, and teaching correct swallowing patterns. These habits are foundational for proper jaw and teeth development and are essential to Myobrace’s long-term effectiveness. - Phase 2: Arch Development
After correcting harmful habits, Myobrace then focuses on developing the arches of the mouth to ensure there is adequate space for all teeth. Myobrace mouthpieces are designed to apply light pressure to widen the dental arches gradually, creating a more balanced and aligned jaw structure. This helps prevent crowding of teeth and promotes a naturally aligned smile. - Phase 3: Dental Alignment
Once the jaw and arches are developed properly, Myobrace focuses on aligning the teeth as they grow. The appliance gently guides each tooth into its natural position, reducing the need for metal braces later. This phase is a more passive stage where the jaw is encouraged to grow in harmony with the alignment of the teeth. - Phase 4: Retention
Like any orthodontic treatment, retention is essential to ensure the results last. Myobrace retention appliances are worn at night to help children maintain their newly learned oral habits and keep their teeth in place as they continue to grow.
Why Myobrace is an Ideal Choice for Growing Children
Traditional orthodontics often focus on correcting alignment issues once they appear, typically in the teenage years. Myobrace, however, is a preventive approach that works best when started early in childhood. By addressing the root causes of misalignment, Myobrace creates lasting benefits without the need for braces or extraction of permanent teeth. Here’s why parents choose Myobrace:
- Non-Invasive and Comfortable: Myobrace is non-invasive and doesn’t require brackets or wires, making it comfortable for children to wear. There’s no need for frequent adjustment appointments, and children can still enjoy their favorite foods without restriction.
- Encourages Long-Term Health: By training children to breathe through their noses and swallow correctly, Myobrace promotes better overall health. Nasal breathing reduces the risk of respiratory issues, while correct swallowing patterns decrease the likelihood of jaw-related problems.
- Reduces Future Orthodontic Needs: Myobrace is highly effective in reducing the need for braces later on. By addressing alignment and spacing issues early on, Myobrace can help avoid extensive orthodontic treatments in the future, saving time and expense for families.
- Customized to Each Child’s Needs: The Myobrace system is available in different sizes and types to accommodate each stage of dental development, making it adaptable to the specific needs of each child.
When to Start Myobrace Treatment
The ideal age to begin Myobrace treatment is typically between 5 and 10 years old, although it can still be effective for older children. The sooner a child begins the Myobrace system, the easier it is to prevent alignment issues and support proper jaw growth. Early intervention provides the best chance for natural dental development, making Myobrace an ideal choice for parents seeking a proactive approach.
If you’re interested in a natural, comfortable way to guide your child’s dental development, Ahava Orthodontics can help. Contact us today to learn more about Myobrace and discover how this innovative approach can improve your child’s smile, breathing, and oral health for years to come.
