The Myobrace System is a preventive orthodontic treatment designed to address the underlying causes of crooked teeth without the immediate need for braces. Unlike traditional orthodontics, which focus primarily on moving teeth with brackets and wires, Myobrace focuses on correcting the habits that cause dental issues in the first place.
By addressing issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and incorrect swallowing, the Myobrace System helps the jaws develop correctly. This approach often results in naturally straighter teeth and improved facial structure for children and adults alike.
What Exactly is the Myobrace System?
The Myobrace System is a “pre-orthodontic” treatment that uses a series of removable intra-oral appliances. These appliances are typically worn for just one to two hours during the day and overnight while sleeping.
The primary goal of the system is to achieve “myofunctional” correction. This means training the muscles of the mouth and face to function properly, which allows the teeth to align naturally as the child grows.
While traditional braces are often applied once all permanent teeth have emerged, Myobrace is most effective when used while a child is still growing. It is often started between the ages of five and fifteen, though versions of the system exist for adults as well.
How the Myobrace System Works
The Myobrace System works by combining two main components: the use of the appliance and a series of daily exercises. Together, these elements retrain the oral muscles and expand the dental arches.
The Myobrace Appliance
The appliance itself is a flexible, silicone-based device that looks somewhat like a sports mouthguard. It is designed to exert light pressure on the teeth and jaws to encourage proper alignment.
The appliance features specific design elements to guide the tongue to the roof of the mouth and prevent the lips from overworking during swallowing. This helps the jaw grow to its full, natural size, providing enough room for all the teeth.
Myofunctional Exercises
A critical part of the Myobrace System is the “Myobrace Activities.” These are simple daily exercises that the patient performs to reinforce the habits taught by the appliance.
These exercises focus on breathing through the nose, resting the tongue in the correct position, and swallowing correctly. Consistency with these exercises is often the deciding factor in how successful the treatment will be.
Common Habits Corrected by Myobrace
Many people do not realize that crooked teeth are often a symptom of poor oral habits. Myobrace aims to fix these specific issues:
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth prevents the tongue from resting against the palate, which can lead to a narrow upper jaw.
- Tongue Thrusting: Pushing the tongue against the teeth when swallowing can force teeth outward.
- Reverse Swallowing: Using the lip muscles excessively when swallowing can restrict jaw growth.
- Thumb Sucking: Long-term thumb sucking can significantly alter the shape of the developing jaw and teeth.
The Four Stages of Myobrace Treatment
The Myobrace treatment process is usually broken down into four distinct stages. Each stage uses a different appliance designed for a specific purpose.
1. Habit Correction
The first stage focuses on teaching the patient to breathe through their nose instead of their mouth. It also begins the process of retraining the tongue to rest in the correct position on the roof of the mouth.
2. Arch Development
Once habits begin to improve, the focus shifts to expanding the dental arch. This creates more room for the teeth and ensures there is enough space for the tongue to sit comfortably.
3. Dental Alignment
In this stage, the appliance helps to align the teeth into their natural positions. Because the habits have been corrected and the jaw has been developed, the teeth often move into place with much less resistance than they would otherwise.
4. Retention
The final stage ensures that the results are permanent. Retention involves wearing the appliance less frequently to maintain the new, healthy habits and ensure the teeth do not shift back to their original positions.
Benefits of Choosing Myobrace
Choosing the Myobrace System offers several advantages over waiting for traditional braces. It is a holistic approach that looks at the health of the entire face and airway.
- Natural Results: Because the treatment addresses the root cause, the results are often more stable and natural-looking.
- Improved Facial Development: Proper jaw growth leads to better facial symmetry and a more defined jawline.
- Better Overall Health: Correcting mouth breathing can lead to better sleep, improved concentration, and reduced risk of certain respiratory issues.
- Reduced Need for Extractions: By expanding the jaw naturally, Myobrace often eliminates the need to remove healthy permanent teeth to make room.
- Comfort: The appliances are removable and made of soft materials, making them generally more comfortable than metal wires and brackets.
Is Myobrace Right for Your Child?
The best way to determine if Myobrace is a good fit is to consult with a certified Myobrace provider. However, there are some signs that your child might benefit from this system.
If you notice your child frequently breathes through their mouth, snores, or has visible crowding in their early teeth, they may be a candidate. The system is most effective when the child is compliant and willing to perform the daily exercises.
While Myobrace is highly effective for many, some complex cases may still require a short period of traditional braces or clear aligners at the end of treatment. However, even in these cases, the total time spent in braces is usually significantly reduced.
What to Expect: Costs and Duration
The cost of the Myobrace System varies depending on the complexity of the case and the geographic location of the provider. Generally, the cost is comparable to or slightly less than traditional orthodontic treatment.
Treatment duration typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. Success depends heavily on the patient wearing the appliance every night and completing the prescribed exercises daily.
Conclusion
The Myobrace System offers a proactive, health-focused alternative to traditional orthodontics. By addressing the myofunctional habits that cause crooked teeth, it provides a path toward a healthier smile and better facial development without the constant use of wires and brackets.
If you are interested in exploring this preventive approach, the first step is to find a local dental professional who specializes in myofunctional therapy. Taking action early can set the foundation for a lifetime of dental health and confidence.
For more tips on dental health and family wellness, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com to keep your family healthy and informed.