Questions & Answers
What causes crooked teeth?
It is a common belief that crowded teeth, incorrect jaw development and other orthodontic problems are caused by either large teeth in small jaws, or other hereditary factors.
Modern research has shown that mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, reverse swallowing and thumb sucking – known as incorrect myofunctional habits – are the real causes of incorrect jaw development. Allergies, asthma and an open mouth posture can also contribute towards the jaws developing incorrectly.
Bottle feeding, thumb sucking, and dummies during the early stages of a child’s life can also contribute to the problem.
HOW DOES THE MYOBRACE TREATMENT WORK?
Myobrace treatment involves using a series of appliances which have the proven dual function of correcting habits that cause poor dental development, 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 involves wearing a Myobrace appliance for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping, combined with a series of ‘myofunctional exercises’ (also known as Trainer Activities) This is all it takes for a real change to occur.
HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT GENERALLY TAKE?
The total time required on a ‘month by month’ basis for Myobrace is usually comparable to the time required for treatment with braces, but instead of being fixed to the teeth, Myobrace appliances are removable and require just one to two hours of use each day plus overnight while sleeping.
WILL IT WORK FOR ME OR MY CHILD?
The Myobrace System is a bit like a training program. Like study or sport, daily commitment and persistence is required to obtain the best results. It also depends on the patient’s inherent biology for change – therefore sometimes the results are rapid and other times it may take more perseverance.
Old habits die hard, so the sooner the training program starts the better.
HOW MUCH DOES MYOBRACE TREATMENT COST?
Normally the cost of Myobrace Treatment is comparable to braces.
An exact fee structure will be presented upon evaluation and consultation, however, treatment fees will vary depending on the number of visits required, the patient’s compliance with the appliance, how well the patient performs the activities prescribed to them, and how quickly the patient responds to the treatment.
If treatment is started while the patient is younger, generally treatment will cost less than if it is left until later.
WILL TREATMENT BY PAINFUL?
No. Although over the first few days there may be a small amount of sensitivity, after a few days of treatment this sensitivity should cease.
WHERE CAN I GET TREATMENT?
To book a Myobrace consultation please call us at 707-451-4100.
WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO BEGIN TREATMENT?
The best time to begin treatment is while the patient is still growing and the first permanent teeth appear (around 5 to 15 years).
If poor myofunctional habits are discovered early, it is best to start treatment immediately.
Patients over 15 years can be treated but problems/habits causing the crooked teeth are often more difficult to change, and will likely be a longer process.
WHAT OTHER BENEFITS MIGHT I SEE FROM USING THIS TREATMENT?
The aim of Myobrace treatment is not just to have straight front teeth, but also remove the bad influences on the patient’s dental and facial development.
As a result of improving poor muscular habits, patients can experience better facial development and achieve their full genetic potential.
Other health benefits include improved posture, fewer allergies, fewer problems with the teeth, mouth and jaw joints (TMJ).
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WEAR IT?
For the best result the appliances must be worn daily for 1 to 2 hours plus overnight while sleeping.
As well as wearing the appliance you may need to perform a few simple activities that re-train the oral muscles and help motivate you to improve your overall treatment outcome.
WHAT IF THE PATIENT REFUSES TO WEAR THE APPLIANCE?
The success of Myobrace is through wearing the appliance. This will be established at the first consultation. This is not an alternative form of orthodontics. It is a treatment for underlying causes of crooked teeth and poor muscular habits of the mouth and face.
If patient refuses to wear the Myobrace appliance then the treatment will be extremely ineffective.
WHEN THE TREATMENT IS COMPLETE, WILL MY TEETH CROWD UP AGAIN?
During the Myobrace treatment we will closely monitor the stability of treatment.
Normally if the myofunctional problems are corrected, the teeth will stay in position. However, if there is some movement of the teeth after treatment it is important that you call us.
ARE THERE ANY HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS WITH MYOBRACE TREATMENT METHODS?
To date there have been no reported harmful effects from the Myobrace treatment.
We review our patients progress regularly to ensure the muscle improvements are progressing and that changes in alignment of teeth and jaws are being supported by the surrounding muscle structures, also that there is no irritation caused by the appliance.
If there are any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.x
ARE THERE ANY SIGNS OR REASONS WHY THIS TREATMENT WOULD NOT BE SUITABLE?
Some limitations do exist. The Myobrace System requires daily use over an extended period of time, and therefore non-compliant patients will not achieve a satisfactory result.
Age is also a significant factor – the older the patient is, the more difficult it is to change habits and move the teeth. Patients with extremely crooked teeth and jaw discrepancies which stop said patient from physically holding the Myobrace appliance in their mouth can limit treatment possibilities.
Complete nasal obstruction can also make Myobrace treatment difficult. There may be other limiting factors and so it’s best to speak with our Myobrace Doctor if you have any concerns.