At Myofunctional Orthodontist
, we are committed to providing cutting-edge treatments for airway
positioning, pediatric sleep apnea, and sleep-related breathing
disorders.
Research shows that a child’s facial and dental development can be
profoundly influenced by innovative therapies that promote optimal
nasal breathing, correct tongue posture, and closed lips.
Furthermore, the alignment and structure of the teeth and jaws have
been closely linked to sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep
apnea—conditions that affect millions across all age groups.
Early intervention yields the most effective and lasting benefits
for both oral and overall health. However, older teens and adults
can also experience significant improvements through airway-focused
orthodontic treatments.
Did you know,
3 out of 4 children
experience crowded teeth and improper jaw development? These issues
can appear as early as ages 3 to 5. Recent studies reveal that
dental crowding, jaw misalignment, and other orthodontic concerns
are not simply due to genetics or big teeth in small jaws. Instead,
habitual behaviors such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting,
reverse swallowing, and thumb sucking—known as myofunctional
disorders—are the true underlying causes. Additionally, conditions
like allergies, asthma, and open-mouth posture play a significant
role in disrupting proper jaw formation. Throughout childhood, many
of us have experienced one or more of these myofunctional
challenges, potentially contributing to altered dental and facial
development.
The goal of treatment in
Airway Orthodontics
extends beyond simply aligning and straightening teeth for improved
appearance and bite. It also focuses on supporting a child’s growth by
promoting the development of the healthiest possible airway for their
age. A well-developed airway contributes to better breathing, improved
sleep, enhanced overall health, and more optimal facial and jaw
development. It can also help prevent or treat symptoms associated
with Sleep Disordered Breathing and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
The MyoBrace® system uses a combination of removable oral
appliances, known as “Trainers,”
along with Myofunctional Training Exercises to address the
root causes of
issues like “crooked teeth” and “narrow palates.” This approach helps
children grow, breathe, and sleep better—resulting in not only a
beautiful smile but also a healthier body.
Research shows that airway-focused orthodontic treatments can
significantly influence a child’s facial and dental development. When
paired with myofunctional training, these treatments help establish
proper nasal breathing, consistent lip seal, correct tongue posture,
and proper swallowing habits.
The alignment and positioning of the teeth and jaws are also linked to
sleep issues such as snoring and sleep apnea—conditions affecting
millions across all age groups. Early intervention, ideally between
ages 3 and 10 when the face and airway are rapidly developing, yields
the most effective and lasting benefits for both dental and overall
health. The earlier the treatment begins, the more conservative and
cost-effective it tends to be. In fact, most children who start early
DO NOT NEED “BRACES.”
Older teens can still benefit from airway orthodontics by
incorporating Myobrace® trainers and Myofunctional Training into
conventional orthodontic treatments, including those involving braces.
At Yarmosky Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to offering the most
advanced treatments for healthy airway development, pediatric sleep
apnea, and sleep disordered breathing—bringing Pediatric Orthodontics
into the 21st century.
Early-stage malocclusions can develop due to habits such as thumb
sucking, prolonged pacifier use, mouth breathing, improper tongue
posture, or the presence of “soft tissue tethers” like tight frenums.
These can result in “tongue-tie” or “lip-tie” and may require early
attention.
Indicators of Soft Tissue Dysfunction
Tooth Alignment
By kindergarten, 65% of children already show signs of malocclusion
(a misaligned bite). As they grow, many more may develop bite issues
and restricted airway growth due to dysfunctional breathing patterns
like mouth breathing.
Common examples include:
- Lack of spacing between baby teeth or crowding in baby teeth
- An “open bite” – where the canine teeth appear longer because the
front upper teeth are pushed upward
- A “deep bite” – where the top teeth excessively cover the lower
teeth
- A “crossbite” – either in the front or back teeth
-
Learn more about orthodontic concerns
Breathing Pattern
Proper nasal breathing depends on the lips being gently closed,
allowing your child to breathe comfortably through the nose. Mouth
breathing is a significant risk factor for poor facial and airway
development, Sleep Disordered Breathing, and the onset of Sleep
Apnea. Take note — does your child typically breathe through their
mouth or nose? Is their mouth usually open or closed while at rest?
Jaw Growth
- Does your child have a significant overbite or underbite?
- Is your child’s palate narrow? Does the roof of their mouth
resemble more of a “U” shape or a “V” shape?
- Where does your child’s tongue rest? If it’s not positioned on the
roof of the mouth, or if it rests low in the mouth, this may be a
concern.
Frenum Attachments
- Can your child easily touch the roof of their mouth with their
tongue when opening wide?
- Does only the tip reach, or can the middle portion of the tongue
touch as well?
Swallowing
- When your child swallows, do their lips move or their chin pucker?
- Do they bob their head while swallowing?
- Do they frequently choke or gag during meals?
- Are they messy eaters?
- Do they eat quickly and need to pause for breath?
Oral Habits
- Cheek or lip biting
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking
We offer a
FREE MYOBRACE® CONSULTATION
for those interested in learning more about MyoBrace®, how it works,
and how it can benefit your child’s overall health and development.
When you're ready to begin treatment, we will schedule a
“records” appointment. During this session, we will capture a series
of oral, facial, and postural photos, along with a 3-D scan using
iCat® technology. Once
completed, we will prepare a personalized “Treatment Plan
Presentation” that includes recommendations tailored to your
child's needs. Based on your child's health history, we
may suggest further evaluations either now or in the future to
ensure the best dental and overall health outcomes.
The MyoBrace® removable orthodontic “trainers” should be worn for
1-2 hours during the day and while sleeping at night, EVERY DAY, for
effective treatment. The MyoBrace® system consists of a series of 3
different trainers (4 in the Teen Series) that focus on habit
correction, jaw expansion, and retention. Each trainer is
specifically sized and designed based on your child’s age and
treatment needs. These trainers work to develop the jaws, open the
airway, and align the teeth properly. When combined with daily
breathing, tongue, and facial exercises, the MyoBrace® appliance
helps create new muscle memory patterns, correct poor myofunctional
habits, and establish healthy nasal breathing.
The effectiveness and duration of MyoBrace® treatment depend largely
on
PATIENT COMPLIANCE.
Treatment typically involves wearing the trainer for 1-2 hours daily,
including during sleep, along with following the fun and easy
myofunctional training exercises program. The average treatment
duration varies, but is generally around 18 months.
During your MyoBrace® treatment in any phase (see “treatment phases”
under Airway Orthodontics),
you’ll have monthly visits where you’ll work with one of our Oral
Health Educators in the MyoBrace® Activities Center. During these
visits, you'll learn new myofunctional activities and review
your progress. You will also be given a personal login to access
your MyoBrace® Activities account, allowing both our office and you
to easily track your progress. Typically, we take “progress photos”
every 3 months, and during these evaluations, the doctor will assess
how your child’s case is progressing and discuss any necessary
adjustments. If any challenges arise, such as enlarged tonsils,
untreated allergies, chronic congestion, or tongue-ties, the doctor
will address them to ensure successful treatment.