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Myobrace – A natural approach to managing orthodontic problems

 

What is the Myobrace Orthodontic approach?

Myobrace is a no-braces orthodontic approach to help straighten your teeth and jaws. Treatment addresses the poor oral habits that are the real cause of crooked teeth, using a series of appliances.  These appliances help to correct the habits while also providing light forces to align the teeth into their natural position. This technique is now used by practitioners in more than 100 countries worldwide. Treatment does not involve wearing braces or using complex and uncomfortable dental appliances 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Instead the treatment recommends wearing a Myobrace appliance for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping, combined with a series of myofunctional exercises.

It is a common belief that crowding is caused by either large teeth in small jaws, or other hereditary factors. The belief then is to extract teeth to correct the crowding. However dealing with crooked teeth is addressing only the symptom of poorly developing faces and jaws. The problem is that since industrialization changes in diet to a more soft diet has resulted in faces and jaws not developing as they should. There are a number of factors starting from birth that can prevent the face from developing to its full potential.  If we don’t address root causes, then the results will tend to be unstable.

 

What are some of the root causes for orthodontic problems?

  • Mouth breathing
  • Enlarged adenoids and tonsils
  • Chronic nasal congestion and allergies
  • Bottle feeding
  • Prolonged use of dummies and sippy cups
  • Thumb-sucking and other habits
  • Restricted tongues (tongue ties)
  • Avoiding eating hard foods that require chewing
  • Weaker muscle tone related to prematurity

The traditional approach of waiting until a child has completed most of their facial growth and then dealing with the crowding is missing the important fact that we have the chance to modify a child growth and development by addressing the root causes early.

When we address root causes earlier, the child breathes better and the airway is improved. Habits are easier to break and replace with and new ones as the child develops improved function. The child’s facial structure and growth can then keep pace with their genetic potential.

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If root causes are addressed the proper functioning of the tongue results in a wider jaw and more room for all the permanent teeth to fit in with less need for braces and extractions. In today’s world, there is increasing awareness that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are linked to a wide range of health problems. Western medicine relies on medication and surgery to deal with these problems throughout life, without first addressing the root causes.

The connection between dental crowding, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is the presence of smaller underdeveloped jaws. There is less space for the tongue to fit properly in the mouth. The airway size is reduced. Breathing and sleep are disturbed.  Research has shown that in children, who experience poor oxygenation of the brain during the early years of life, can have damage to their brain. It can impact cognitive function and has been linked to attention and behavioral problems.

Hence addressing the root causes at a young age using the Myobrace system can influence the growth and development of a young child and is the focus of the orthodontic approach at the dental gallery.

How does Myobrace work?

It involves several elements including:

  • Appropriate referrals to address root causes of poor breathing
  • Myobrace appliances to retrain normal resting tongue posture and good lip seal
  • Myofunctional activities or exercises to be completed daily
  • Palatal expander devices to widen the jaw and make more room for the tongue to rest and function properly (not required in every child).

This video featuring US orthodontist Dr Barry Raphael provides an excellent overview of this approach.

A myofunctional evaluation is the first step to identify any poor habits and the impact this has had on their facial development. Dr Nomita Gonsalvez will provide specific advice for your child following a full assessment.

What are the limitations of Myobrace?

One of the major barriers to predictable success with the Myobrace approach is compliance. Compared to braces, it requires co-operation of the child to re-pattern poor habits. If you find it a constant struggle to get your child to do their homework or music practice – then this approach may not be the right one for them.

The primary outcome is to retrain healthier muscle patterns and encourage better development of the jaws. This will allow more room for the permanent teeth to fit without extractions. We do not suggest or promise that these appliances will completely eliminate the need for braces. It will increase the chances of accommodating all the teeth in the jaw without extractions. If braces are required in the future to perfect final tooth positions, this is typically a much faster and a more reliable solution without extractions or need for jaw surgery.

Dr Nomita Gonsalvez has chosen to use this system based on the insight she has gained through a formal sleep medicine qualification, experience in managing abnormal sleep breathing in adults and clinical observation. She has also embarked upon continuing education delivered by world leading practitioners who use this system.

To find out more visit the Myobrace website or contact us for a consultation.