Straight teeth are very important for oral function. Most parents want straight teeth for their children because of how it looks and makes them feel, which is important, but the most critical reason to ensure the proper alignment of the teeth is to avoid a whole host of oral issues that are caused by misalignment. TMJ, sleep apnea and poor posture all originate from poorly aligned jawbones.
One alternative to traditional orthodontics, which can be used as a pre-orthodontic treatment as well, is the Myobrace system.
Myobrace is an option that uses no braces or metal gear to help in addressing the underlying causes of crooked and crowded teeth. The removable oral appliance is worn for only about 20 minutes a day as well as throughout the night. Myobrace helps to prevent the need for more invasive orthodontic treatment by addressing problems early on.
The goal of the Myobrace system is to focus on proper tongue position, swallowing, breathing through the nose and lip posture. Poor myofunctional habits can cause poor alignment of the teeth and jaw.
The optimum time to begin treatment is when your child is still growing and their first permanent teeth appear (at around six to ten years of age). If poor myofunctional habits are discovered at an earlier age, it is best to start treatment immediately. Patients over 15 years of age can also be treated but the problems and habits causing the crooked teeth are often more difficult to change at this stage.
The Myobrace System is a bit like a training program. Just like studying and playing sports, daily commitment and persistence are required to obtain the best results. It also depends on the inherent biology for change – therefore sometimes the results are rapid and other times it may take more perseverance. Old habits die hard, so the sooner the training program is implemented the better the growth benefits and the more permanent the result.
In most situations, Myobrace is an excellent option to correct potential issues before the problem gets worse and requires more invasive orthodontic treatments. Discuss the options available to you with your dentist to find out if Myobrace is the right option for your child, or even for yourself.