Myobrace is a preventive pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on correcting the underlying causes of crooked teeth and poor jaw development in children and adolescents. Unlike traditional braces, which primarily focus on straightening teeth, Myobrace addresses the root causes of malocclusion by retraining the oral muscles and improving oral habits. Here's an overview of what Myobrace is and how it works:

What is Myobrace?
Myobrace is a series of removable, soft, and flexible dental appliances designed to be worn for a few hours each day and overnight while sleeping. The system is typically used in children aged 3 to 15 years and aims to correct bad oral habits that contribute to misaligned teeth and jaws. The Myobrace system consists of different stages, each designed to address specific aspects of dental and facial development.

How Does Myobrace Work?

1. **Habit Correction:**
   - **Breathing:** Myobrace encourages nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing. Mouth breathing is a common cause of poor jaw development and can lead to a variety of dental issues.
   - **Tongue Position:** Myobrace helps train the tongue to rest in the correct position, which is against the roof of the mouth. Proper tongue posture is crucial for the correct development of the jaws and dental arches.
   - **Swallowing:** The appliance helps retrain the swallowing pattern. A correct swallow involves the tongue pressing against the roof of the mouth, which aids in proper jaw development.
   - **Lip Posture:** Myobrace encourages keeping the lips together when not talking or eating, which helps maintain proper muscle balance around the mouth.

2. **Arch Development:**
   - Myobrace appliances are designed to gently expand the dental arches and create more space for teeth to align naturally. This is particularly important in children, as their jaws are still growing and can be guided into a more favorable position.

3. **Dental Alignment:**
   - As the dental arches expand and the jaw develops correctly, Myobrace helps guide the teeth into a more aligned position without the need for traditional braces. This natural alignment occurs as the underlying causes of malocclusion are addressed.

4. **Myofunctional Training:**
   - Myobrace treatment includes a series of myofunctional exercises that help strengthen the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. These exercises support the correction of poor oral habits and contribute to long-term stability of the treatment results.

Benefits of Myobrace:

- **Non-Invasive:** Myobrace is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t involve brackets, wires, or frequent adjustments like traditional braces.
- **Early Intervention:** Myobrace can be used at an early age, often reducing or eliminating the need for braces in the future.
- **Whole-Body Health:** By encouraging nasal breathing and correcting oral posture, Myobrace contributes to overall health, including better sleep and improved facial development.
- **Improves Aesthetics:** The treatment not only aligns teeth but also improves facial aesthetics by promoting proper jaw development and balanced muscle function.

Treatment Stages:

1. **K1 Appliance:** Focuses on habit correction, such as improving breathing, swallowing, and tongue posture.
2. **K2 Appliance:** Continues habit correction while starting to develop the dental arches and align the teeth.
3. **K3 Appliance:** Finalizes the alignment of teeth and continues to improve jaw development.
4. **T4 or Retainer:** Used for retention after treatment to maintain the results.

Who is Myobrace For?
Myobrace is ideal for children and adolescents who show early signs of dental malocclusion, poor oral habits, or incorrect jaw development. Early intervention can lead to more effective results, although Myobrace can also be used in older children and teenagers.

By addressing the causes of crooked teeth and promoting proper jaw development, Myobrace provides a more holistic and long-term solution for achieving a healthy, well-aligned smile.