What is Myobrace, and could it benefit your child? Myobrace is a pre-orthodontic system designed not just to straighten teeth but to correct the oral habits leading to misalignment and mouth breathing. This overview will highlight how Myobrace aims to prevent orthodontic issues, potentially eliminating the need for braces, while impacting overall oral health by improving the airway.
Key Takeaways
- Myobrace is an innovative pre-orthodontic treatment that targets the root causes of crooked teeth through a series of removable intraoral appliances, promoting natural growth and dental alignment while improving overall health and nasal breathing.
- The treatment plays a crucial role in correcting Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders, including improper tongue and lip postures, and is instrumental in ameliorating conditions like sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Beyond straightening teeth, Myobrace fosters proper facial development, potentially reducing the need for future orthodontic interventions and enhancing facial profile, while integrating with professional care from speech therapists and dentists for comprehensive treatment.
Myobrace is one among many pre-orthodontic palatal expanders available for kids. Contact us for a consultation to see what treatment is best for your child. Most of our patients have teeth crowding, mouth breathing and possibly even pediatric sleep apnea.
Exploring Myobrace: An Overview
Welcome to the world of Myobrace, a revolutionary pre-orthodontic treatment that breaks the conventional norms of orthodontics. Myobrace targets the root causes of crooked teeth, promoting natural growth and dental alignment without relying on braces or tooth extractions.
This innovative system comprises a series of removable intraoral appliances and educational activities, tailored for children between the ages of 3 to 15, to help correct poor oral habits and encourage proper jaw development. Myobrace stands out by not just fixing teeth, but by enhancing overall health through improved airway function and promoting nasal breathing.
The Goals of Myobrace Orthodontic Expanders:
- Optimize facial growth, profile and smile esthetics
- Optimize tongue function
- Stop Mouth Breathing
- Improve Sleep
- Establish healthy breathing patterns
- Create a stabile bite
- Balance the jaw and facial bone relationships
- Establish healthy posture
Why Do Teeth Get Crooked and Crowded?
The reason why teeth become crooked and crowded is because of poor tongue function, unhealthy mouth breathing patterns and a diet consisting of foods that are too soft. This is why kids mouths and faces do not grow large enough for all their teeth to fit and bite properly. If tongue and breathing problems are not corrected, your child will fall behind again in their development 1-2 years after appliance therapy. That is right, the teeth will get crowded and crooked all over again, if the root cause of developmental problems are not corrected. Kids continue to grow till at least the age of 19.
What are Expanders?
We prefer the use of the term “growth appliances.” They are devices that promote growth of the jaws. Myobrace is just one example. The goal is to grow the jaws into a more optimal size and shape. Teeth will have space to fit. The tongue will have room to move freely. And air will pass without resistance between the nose, mouth and lungs. Growth appliances work by applying a light force in the direction the jaws need to grow. They are not mechanical devices and do not cause pain. The appliance mimics tongue pressure and encourages proper tongue position. Appliance therapy is synergistic with swallowing and tongue movement. Most kids only need to wear the appliances at night for 6-12 months during treatment. The appliances are usually not worn during the day or while eating.
Other Expanders for Kids
- Schwarz Appliance
- ALF
- Crozat
- Twin Block
- Biobloc
The Myobrace Pre-Orthodontic System
The Myobrace system is meticulously designed to direct children’s oral development. Utilizing a series of removable intraoral appliances, it corrects poor oral habits and aligns the jaws and teeth. The treatment process is initiated with habit correction and is personalized to each child’s orthodontic needs, ensuring that the journey towards optimal dental and facial health is as unique as the child themselves.
As treatment progresses, it addresses different aspects of oral development, from arch development to dental alignment, ultimately leading to retention and maintaining the beautiful results achieved.
How Myobrace Promotes Proper Oral Habits
Myobrace transcends its function as an appliance; it’s an educational pathway that fosters good oral habits in children. By teaching the correct tongue resting position and proper swallowing techniques, Myobrace lays the foundation for preventing malocclusion and ensuring dental development is on the right track.
The program includes exercises that focus on breathing, tongue position, and swallowing, complementing the physical benefits of the appliance with a comprehensive approach to oral health. Moreover, by encouraging nasal breathing, Myobrace helps to correct oral rest posture and mitigate the issues associated with mouth breathing, fostering healthier and more efficient breathing habits. Addressing insufficient habitual nasal breathing is crucial for overall well-being and improved oral health.
The Link Between Myobrace and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Myobrace plays a crucial role in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), a treatment designed to correct improper resting postures of the tongue and lips that often lead to orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). These disorders can lead to a cascade of dental issues, including malocclusions and gum disease. By retraining the tongue and facial muscles through OMT, Myobrace not only enhances dental alignment but also fortifies overall health by promoting nasal breathing patterns and eliminating harmful oral habits.
This collaborative approach, managed by an array of professionals including therapists and dentists, underscores Myobrace’s interdisciplinary nature and its ability to address a variety of orofacial issues, including sleep disturbances.
Addressing Tongue Thrust with Myobrace
Tongue thrust is an orofacial myofunctional disorder that can alter dental alignment and affect speech. Myobrace actively treats tongue thrust by softly guiding the tongue into its appropriate position and re-educating the oral muscles. By wearing the Myobrace appliance during the day and overnight, patients can rectify the oral habits associated with tongue thrust, leading to significant improvements in their dental health and speech patterns.
The consistent positioning of the tongue is critical to prevent improper swallowing patterns, which Myobrace targets with precision.
Improving Sleep Disordered Breathing
The Myobrace system is instrumental in addressing sleep disordered breathing and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. By improving the function of upper airway muscles and repositioning the tongue, Myobrace helps keep the airways open during sleep, promoting better breathing patterns. The resultant improvements in nasal breathing and airway clearance can lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with sleep disorders, offering patients a more restful and healthful sleep, and effectively helping to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Moreover, the positive influence of Myobrace on mandibular positioning not only enhances facial aesthetics but also increases blood oxygen saturation, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with sleep disordered breathing.
Myobrace and Child Facial Development
The impact of Myobrace goes beyond teeth, shaping the fundamental structure of a child’s facial development, including facial skeletal growth. By re-educating the oral muscles, it fosters physiological jaw growth, thus optimizing facial development and addressing the underlying causes of crooked teeth. This holistic approach often negates the need for future orthodontic interventions, such as braces or extractions, by enabling natural growth and development.
The result is not just a straighter set of teeth but a more balanced and natural facial structure.
Preventing Malocclusions in Children
Malocclusions, or misalignments of the teeth, can lead to a host of dental problems later in life. Myobrace offers a preventive approach, correcting oral dysfunction and guiding jaw growth to create space for teeth to develop naturally and align correctly. By targeting these issues early on, Myobrace can prevent the onset of malocclusions and reduce the likelihood of children needing braces.
Its role as a myofunctional orthodontic device is to stimulate the growth of jaw and facial bone structure, rather than just reposition teeth, which sets it apart from traditional braces.
Enhancing Facial Esthetics Naturally
The pursuit of facial esthetics naturally aligns with the goals of Myobrace treatment. By addressing muscle imbalances and correcting improper oral habits, Myobrace supports the development of a harmonious facial structure. The improvements in facial growth lead to not only a straighter smile but also a more stable bite, contributing to overall facial esthetics.
The story of a 13-year-old who experienced a corrected deep bite and improved facial development within 12 months of Myobrace treatment is just one testament to its effectiveness.
Integrating Myobrace with Professional Care
Myobrace therapy is not a standalone treatment; it integrates into a broader network of professional care, incorporating insights from speech therapists and dentists. The interdisciplinary nature of Myobrace therapy allows for a holistic treatment plan that addresses the full spectrum of a patient’s oral health needs.
Role of Speech Therapists in Myobrace Therapy
Speech therapists, also known as speech language pathologists, are critical in the Myobrace journey, working alongside practitioners to rehabilitate speech while correcting orofacial myofunctional imbalances. The integration of speech therapy exercises and physical therapy into the Myobrace Activities protocols ensures a more effective treatment outcome, with speech therapists addressing the nuances of speech problems that may be linked to myofunctional issues.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
The success of Myobrace therapy is amplified by maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits post-treatment. These checkups are crucial for the early identification and management of any dental issues that might arise, ensuring the long-term stability of the results achieved with Myobrace.
Myobrace as an Alternative to Conventional Orthodontics
Myobrace offers a substitute for conventional orthodontic methods, emphasizing early intervention for minor orthodontic issues and minimizing the potential need for braces in the future. This non-invasive approach is especially appealing for younger patients who may find conventional braces uncomfortable or intimidating.
How Myobrace Can Prevent Relapse Post-Braces
A key aspect of Myobrace therapy is its attention to retention practices and correcting poor oral habits, which are vital for preventing orthodontic relapse after braces have been removed.
By ensuring proper oral posture and function, Myobrace contributes to the stability of the dental alignment achieved through orthodontic treatment.
Real-Life Success Stories: Myobrace in Action
The transformative power of Myobrace comes to life in the narratives of those who have directly experienced its benefits. From significant improvements in dental alignment to better breathing and sleep patterns, Myobrace users report a marked enhancement in their overall quality of life.
Summary
In conclusion, Myobrace stands out as a holistic and preventative form of orthodontic care that truly transforms oral health. By re-educating oral muscles, ensuring proper facial development, and integrating seamlessly with professional care, Myobrace offers a revolutionary approach to achieving a healthy smile and improved quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a child start Myobrace treatment?
Myobrace treatment is recommended for children between the ages of 3 to 15 to correct poor oral habits and promote proper dental and jaw development.
How does Myobrace improve facial esthetics?
Myobrace improves facial esthetics by addressing muscle imbalances and correcting improper oral habits, resulting in a more harmonious and attractive facial structure.
Can Myobrace therapy be used alongside speech therapy?
Yes, Myobrace therapy can be used alongside speech therapy to provide comprehensive treatment for speech and myofunctional imbalances.
Is Myobrace a suitable alternative to braces for all orthodontic problems?
No, Myobrace is not a suitable alternative to braces for all orthodontic problems. It is most effective for minor issues and should be discussed with an orthodontic professional for suitability.
How does Myobrace prevent orthodontic relapse after braces?
Myobrace prevents orthodontic relapse after braces by incorporating retention practices and training to correct poor oral habits, which help maintain teeth alignment. This is essential for preventing relapse once braces are removed.
The Goals of Myobrace Expanders:
The entire point of orthodontic expanders is to achieve an attractive smile, right? Yes. But there are many important things to know when considering orthodontics and straightening teeth. Myo brace can straighten teeth like orthodontics but that is not the only point. Expanders help the jaws grow larger and create more room in the mouth so teeth can fit properly. If expansion is done at an early enough age, teeth will fit and come in straight. We hope there is not a need for braces. The key is to get the jaws to grow to be the right size and shape first. And only get braces if need be. Most of the time braces become necessary when expanders were not used at an early enough age. Or if cosmetic expectations are high.
Correct Mouth Breathing and Cross Bite with Myobrace Expanders
Contact Dr. Adams for a Consultation and 3D Xray
All these things are all linked and closely related:
- Straight teeth
- Jaw structure and facial profile
- Posture is linked to mouth breathing
- Healthy breathing patterns
- Overall health
What is the Myobrace® System
The Myobrace addresses the root causes of why teeth are growing in crooked and crowded. Treatment in children can start as early as three years of age. Teens up to 15 years old can also be candidates for Myobraces.
Myobrace is a phase one orthodontic treatment that stimulates healthy development of the jaws and oral cavity. That is why it is very for helpful for under developing kids. Myobraces are removable and only need to be inserted one to two hours during the day, and while sleeping. Healthy Start is system that is a lot like Myobraces.
When Do you Need Myobrace Expanders?
- Crowded and crooked teeth
- Poor Jaw and facial profile
- Mouth breathing
- Sleep problems
- Tied tongue and tip
Growth Appliances and Expanders Compared to Braces
Braces are for straightening teeth. Palatal expanders (such as Myobraces) grow the jaws to be a more optimal size and shape. Optimal treatment is to first grow the jaws to be the correct size and shape. And then straighten the teeth and balance the bite. Many times during expansion, the teeth will naturally get straighter and less crowded and crooked. Sometimes orthodontics is necessary after expanders, whereas in others, an acceptable cosmetic result can be obtained with expanders alone.
What Causes Small Jaws and Faces?
Myobraces only become necessary when a child’s mouth and face are not growing properly. Poor tongue movement is the root cause of underdevelopment of the face. Tongue pressure naturally expands the mouth and lower part of the face. Tongue ties cause diminished range of motion of the tongue. The tongue does not move out far enough and cannot reach the palate easily. Tied tongues often get pointy and curl down when extended out of the mouth. There is a sequential cause and effect relationship in the following order:
- Tongue Tie
- Poor Tongue Function
- Under Development of the Palate and Nasal Passageways
- Poor Nasal Breathing
- Mouth Breathing
How to Release Tongue Ties
Tongues can be untied with a soft tissue laser. It is very quick, mostly painless and there is not bleeding. The dentist needs to verify the tongue is functioning correctly at the time of the procedure. Untying the tongue alone is not enough. The procedure is called a “functional tongue untie.”
What is Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is basically tongue physical therapy. Tongue exercises to achieve healthy movements. If tongue therapy and exercises are done with a functional untie procedure, tongue reattachment is less than 20%. Without myofunctional therapy, tongue reattachment is closer to 80%.
How to Stop Mouth Breathing
- Remove all Tongue Ties
- Myofunctional Therapy
- Orthodontic Expanders to correct jaw and facial under growth
- Breathing Exercises to restore proper nasal breathing patterns
- Posture Therapy with a chiropractor or qualified PT
Can Myobrace be used Instead of Conventional Braces?
Sometimes expanders can not only grow the jaws but also straighten teeth. But usually expanders and braces will be necessary to get a complete cosmetic result. Many people believe crowded teeth are caused by big teeth in small jaws and hereditary factors. That is not true. Orthodontic problems are really caused by poor tongue function followed by mouth breathing. Sometimes children who suffer from allergies and asthma start mouth breathing and are more at risk for incorrect dental and facial development. Of course eating soft foods can contribute to small jaw growth.
Myobrace® Compliance
One of the biggest problems with the Myobrace® system is compliance. The device must be worn a minimum of one hour during the day and all night for the treatment to work. Parents need to ensure the child wears it at the same time each day. And every night while sleeping. It needs to be second nature.
Myobrace® for Adults
Adults can benefit from the Myobrace® system. The system of adults consists of a three-stage appliance system that can correct poor oral habits while treating upper and lower jaw developmental problems. The soft and flexible material for the A1 appliance adapts to a wide range of arches and poorly aligned teeth. This makes it more comfortable for those who are just starting with the treatment.
Following the initial stage of The Myobrace® expander for adults, the next appliance is used. It is referred to as A2. It is much firmer, which exerts more aligning force to the anterior teeth. This helps move the teeth and jaw closer to proper positioning. Other palatal expanders for adults include the DNA appliance and Homeoblock device.
Myobrace® A3 is the last stage for adults. The appliance is made from hard polyurethane. It’s effective for mild malocclusion and promotes proper alignment and retention.