Transform Your Child’s Health with Myofunctional Orthodontics
Myofunctional orthodontics in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, involves treating the underlying root causes of craniofacial development issues by addressing myofunctional dysfunction and mouth breathing disorders. Imagine your child with not just straight teeth but also optimal oral health! That’s the beauty of Myobrace® at Buscemi Family Dentistry. If your child experiences mouth breathing, sleep apnea, improper bite, or other myofunctional disorders, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Vincent Buscemi and his team.
What is myofunctional orthodontics?
It’s a preventive pre-orthodontic plan that focuses on addressing the root cause of misaligned teeth, often without the need for braces or extractions. It’s best suited for children aged between 3 and 12 and uses a series of removable intraoral appliances, worn overnight and for several hours during the day.
Myobrace® in Bloomfield Hills focuses on more than straight teeth. Instead of moving teeth alone, this approach corrects the root cause. The Myobrace® System corrects:
- Poor oral habits
- Incorrect tongue posture
- Mouth breathing
- Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use
- Improper swallowing
- Speech difficulties
When these habits are ignored, teeth can shift back, even after wearing traditional braces. That’s where myofunctional orthodontics stands apart. It focuses on how the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth work together to achieve an optimal bite, airway health, and facial balance.
How does it work?
Waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted to begin orthodontic care with braces can allow irreversible damage to occur. This affects not just your child’s teeth but also their overall development. Myofunctional disorders (OMDs), such as mouth breathing and thumb sucking, can develop as early as age three. Myobrace® addresses these issues early, which helps create a stronger foundation for a healthy, stable smile.
Myobrace® consists of intraoral appliances that correct poor oral habits and expand the arch while exerting light forces to realign the teeth and bite. The type of appliances used depends on the child’s age and the underlying orthodontic problem. In addition to the appliances, treatment includes Myobrace® activities to correct poor oral health habits further.
What are the treatment stages of myofunctional orthodontics?
There are typically four stages involved with Myobrace®:
- Habit correction: Simple habits can go a long way in your child’s oral development. The first step of Myobrace® is to train your child to breathe through the nose, swallow correctly, and retrain the tongue to rest in an optimal position. Believe it or not, these habits are crucial in correct jaw growth and dental alignment.
- Arch development: Dr. Buscemi will use intraoral appliances to widen the dental arch, providing adequate space for the tongue and teeth. This is especially crucial for patients with underdeveloped jaws. Left untreated, it can put them at a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea later on.
- Dental alignment: At this stage, most of the permanent teeth are erupting. The Myobrace® aligns the teeth to their natural position. Since the appliances are removable, patient compliance is needed to achieve optimal results. If teeth require further alignment, traditional braces may be used. However, the treatment time is significantly shorter.
- Retention: Maintaining good oral habits helps prevent relapse and the need for a permanent retainer. However, your child may need a retainer after braces to achieve more stable orthodontic results.
The average treatment time with Myobrace® is 18-24 months, but it can take more or fewer months depending on your child’s age and compliance.
What are the benefits of myofunctional orthodontics?
- Patients may notice improved breathing
- Enhanced facial development
- Better sleep quality
- Less snoring
- Enhanced speech development
- Reduced jaw discomfort
Investing in myofunctional orthodontics paves the way for a healthier future for your child. Buscemi Family Dentistry is committed to delivering personalized care that fosters your child’s growth and development. To get started with Myobrace® in Bloomfield Hills, MI, call (248) 654-8848 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Buscemi.
