Crooked teeth and poor jaw development are not only caused by hereditary factors. Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking, known as incorrect myofunctional habits, are major contributing factors.

As well as affecting jaw and facial development, the medical profession recognises that mouth breathing is abnormal and is also one of the main contributors of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) problems.

Symptoms commonly associated with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) can include:

• Snoring

• Gasping

• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

• Interrupted sleep

• Developmental and behavioural problems

If left untreated, SDB can lead to significant and serious health problems that cause poorer quality of life in adulthood.

Myofunctional habits explained (Image from Myobrace®):

 What does Myobrace do?

The Myobrace Myofunctional Orthodontic System delivers airway and habit correction to help resolve orthodontic problems. It treats the underlying causes, aiming to develop the jaws to improve their size and shape, which aids in tooth alignment.

The Myobrace®System consists of 1 or more intraoral appliances that are worn for one to two hours each day plus overnight while sleeping. Treatment starts with habit correction, and a different appliance is made for each of the following age groups:

o   Juniors – Age 3-5

o   Kids – Age 5-10

o   Teens – Age 10 – 15

o   Adults – Age 15+

Myobrace appliances are available for patients with or without fixed braces.

They are also useful for snorers, teeth grinders, and sufferers of TMJ disorders.

In addition to using the Myobrace daily for 1-2 hours plus overnight while sleeping, we will also recommend a series of myofunctional exercises called Myobrace Activities. These are performed daily for 2-4 minutes, and are directed at each of the causes of the teeth and jaw development problems. Compliance by the patient to wear their Myobrace and complete the daily activities is key for a positive treatment outcome.

In summary:

What the Myobrace does:

·   Corrects poor oral habits

·   Develops & aligns the jaws

·   Assists in straightening the teeth

·   Optimises facial development

·   Improves overall health

Myobrace achieves this by:

·   Training the patient to breathe through the nose

·   Establishing the correct tongue resting position

·   Correcting the swallowing pattern

·   Strengthening the lip muscles and establishing lip closure at rest

Hugo Orthodontics is a certified provider of Myobrace, and we incorporate it as part of our treatment plan where necessary.

For more information watch the video below, or visit the Myobrace website.