Myobrace

MYOBRACE

Myofunctional therapy can be used as an early intervention method for young children in order to minimise the need for more extensive treatment such as arch expansion or braces later on.

Myofunctional orthodontics should not be seen as an alternative, nor a competition, to conventional orthodontics, but rather an adjunct to traditional treatment. The main purpose of the modality is to correct oral muscular dysfunctions in order to direct and support the growth and development of the jaw bones. Consequently, this would impact on the eruption of the adult teeth into better positions and relationships. To straighten teeth is NOT the aim! It is a pre-orthodontic therapy, or one that can be implemented with orthodontics, to achieve a naturally balanced oral muscular functional equilibrium.

What you need to know about Myobrace

Modern research has shown that crowded teeth, incorrect jaw development and other orthodontic problems are not caused by big teeth in small jaws or hereditary factors. Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking (known as incorrect myofunctional habits) are the real causes. Bottle feeding, thumb sucking, and dummies during the early stages of a child’s life can also contribute to the problem.

Allergies, asthma and an open mouth posture also contribute to incorrect jaw development. A soft diet from an early age can also contribute to myofunctional problems as can our modern diet of processed and refined foods.

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The Treatment Process

Your first consultation is where you will be told about the Myobrace treatment process. We will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment. Once you understand this process and are ready to proceed, records will be taken to properly assess your needs.

These records may include photographs, study molds, and X-rays to diagnose your case.

Once orthodontic records have been taken, we will discuss the treatment plan we have specifically prepared for you. We will explain the Myobrace appliance required and confirm final treatment cost.

If you decide to proceed with the Myobrace treatment we will issue you with your appliance at the next appointment and we will commence your education program with your myofunctional exercises.

To achieve the best results it is essential that you wear your Myobrace appliance each day and attend regular check ups with us and ensure that you follow each of the steps outlined for you in your treatment plan.

With Myobrace, we treat over a 12–18 month time period. After that time, we reevaluate your teeth and jaw to see if more Myobrace treatment is needed, if moving onto fixed braces treatment is necessary or if treatment is completed.

Myobrace for Children

Modern research has shown that mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking (also known as incorrect myofunctional habits) are the real causes of incorrect jaw development, crowded teeth, and other orthodontic problems.

Myobrace Auckland Treating and correcting these poor myofunctional habits is highly important as research shows the position of the teeth is determined by the lips and tongue.

Myobrace for Kids™ targets the underlying causes of crooked teeth as soon as the problems are evident, while the child’s biological adaptability is at their peak. Improving these poor myofunctional habits at an early age allows for the child to have good dental alignment and improved jaw growth.

Myobrace for Teens

Once the permanent teeth are present in the teenage years, the Myobrace system becomes less effective than if treatment was started during childhood. Treatment with the Myobrace system can still work at this age when combined with arch expansion.

The longer you’ve had poor myofunctional habits, the more difficult they are to correct. Old habits die hard, and so the sooner treatment is started the better the results may be. Additional alignment with braces may be required.

The Myobrace for Teens™ is a no-braces alternative to straightening teeth. Treatment involves using a series of removable orthodontic appliances combined with daily exercises to train the oral muscles and produce straighter teeth and a healthier smile.

Biobloc appliance for Myobrace

Are you starting to notice the jaw and teeth of your child doesn’t look like it’s developing as it should?

Poor oral habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking can lead to an underdeveloped and narrow upper jaw, causing the tongue to sit in an incorrect position.

A severely narrow jaw requires the roof of the mouth to be expanded to create more room for the tongue to reside where it should.

The Biobloc appliance is an acrylic removable plate with strong wires that provide controlled expansion of the roof of the mouth by regular turning of an adjustable screw in the centre of the appliance.

Biobloc treatment is used together with the Myobrace Appliance to optimise results with both appliances, expanding jaws to ideal positions and allowing the tongue to sit in its correct position.

What about pain reduction?

Advances in technology are rapidly changing the way braces straighten teeth, the length of time it takes, the cost, and the comfort level. Research has shown lower sensitivity from greater pain reduction with the bracket system of Fastbraces® Technology. The triangular bracket system allows for less friction and force to be applied in order to gain a tooth movement, resulting in decreased discomfort for our patients. We don’t say that it will be ‘pain-free’, but our vast experience with orthodontic appliances means that we can give you all the tips and tricks we have learnt over the years to make your adjustment to your new appliance as comfortable as possible.