Myofunctional Orthodontics in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood, NC

Myofunctional Orthodontics in Uptown Charlotte, NC

Date06 Dec 2022

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Crooked teeth and other orthodontic issues (also known as malocclusions) can be noticed in children early on, even when they still have their milk teeth. Left untreated, orthodontic problems can cause severe malocclusions in adulthood because of underdeveloped muscles in the mouth.

Orthodontic conditions like open bites, overbites, crossbites, underbites, and crowded teeth can affect your child in multiple ways down the road. In some cases, they can cause digestive problems, speech problems, and even low self-esteem.

Fortunately, even though these orthodontic issues are common, that doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, there are now a number of malocclusion treatments, including myofunctional therapy and myofunctional orthodontics.

Dr. Stacy Alston, your favorite dentist in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood, NC, is here to give you the scoop on myofunctional orthodontic treatment and therapy, what you can expect, and how it can help you correct your child’s orthodontic issues.

What Is Myofunctional Orthodontics?

Myofunctional orthodontics include a list of treatments for dental malocclusions that don’t use traditional braces. Instead, treatments involve the use of soft, silicone-based oral appliances to protect the teeth and correct the position of the patient’s jaw.

Myobrace is one of the most popular choices out of the three types of myofunctional orthodontic appliances. Myobrace fixes orthodontic conditions before they have a chance to develop by naturally applying gentle force to pull the jaws and teeth together to their correct positions. Essentially, they work the same way that orthodontics braces do but without the hassle of metal brackets and wires.

How Do Myofunctional Orthodontics Work?

With myofunctional orthodontics, the actual cause of the malocclusion is addressed instead of just straightening the teeth. Myofunctional orthodontics help strengthen the lips, tongue, and facial muscles to make sure the teeth stay straight over time.

Myofunctional orthodontic appliances also improve nasal breathing, chewing, and swallowing. These oral appliances are paired with myofunctional therapy, which focuses on exercises that correct the underlying problems.

Myofunctional orthodontics can treat and correct poor myofunctional habits in children as early as four years old. The younger children are, the easier it is to guide the muscles in their mouths and faces together so they can function properly in adulthood.

Children who receive myofunctional orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy have a higher chance of never having to use braces to correct crooked teeth later in life. However, it’s important to note that myofunctional orthodontics can still benefit adults and treat malocclusions.

Myofunctional Orthodontics vs. Traditional Orthodontics

Myofunctional orthodontics and traditional orthodontics are based on the same principle. Consistent, light pressure to the teeth using an oral device will straighten them over time.

However, myofunctional orthodontics takes it a step further. A myofunctional treatment treats the actual underlying cause of crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, or whatever malocclusion needs to be fixed.

When you get Myobrace in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood for your child, you will be given instructions on how to help them stay consistent with jaw and facial muscles exercises. These exercises will also help correct bad habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing, which can lead to irregular muscle function in the child’s mouth. Once muscle irregularities are addressed, the teeth will straighten in response.

This approach is quite different compared to traditional braces. Traditional braces only straighten the teeth and do not correct dysfunctional habits. They also do not help with proper muscle and facial-cranial formation.

Their only job is to pull the teeth into proper alignment. This is also why there is a high chance of relapse if the braces are taken out early.

Who Should Get a Myofunctional Orthodontic Treatment?

Myofunctional orthodontics are extremely beneficial to young children as young as three years old, and they’re still great for teenagers as well. Myofunctional orthodontics appliances can also treat malocclusions in adults.

For children in particular, a myofunctional orthodontic treatment can help them develop good facial-cranial muscle coordination and proper speech habits. For adults, it can act as a quicker and more convenient alternative to other orthodontic treatments. As long as patients are consistent with facial exercises, results can be seen in as little as six months.

Why You Should Choose Myofunctional Orthodontics in Uptown Charlotte?

With myofunctional orthodontics, malpositioned teeth, underdeveloped jaws, and bad myofunctional habits are detected in early childhood and then corrected using myofunctional therapy and approved oral devices. That means less money and less time that you have to spend in the future trying to fix other dental issues caused by childhood orthodontic problems.

Children that struggle with habits like thumb suckingand tongue thrashing will see significant improvement with myofunctional therapy and orthodontics. Patients with sleep apnea can also benefit, especially from an oral appliance like Myobrace that positions the tongue in the right position to prevent airway collapse.