Metal braces and aligners are among the things we associate with orthodontics. But what if there were an alternative to repair crooked teeth by treating the cause rather than merely the effects? Enter here the myofunctional orthodontics, a holistic approach which focuses on correcting oral bad habits and giving a healthy mouth and body.
Families dealing with this issue and looking for a South Salem orthodontics facility must consider visiting McDonald Orthodontics, as they guarantee not only a beautiful smile but also the long-lasting health of your child.
What Is Myofunctional Orthodontics?
Myofunctional orthodontics is a niche discipline of dentistry that addresses incorrect muscle use in the face and mouth. This technique contrasts with the traditional braces, which pull teeth mechanically by retraining muscles to maintain natural alignment. It works particularly well with children, as the problem may be avoided later in life.
The highlights are:
- Correcting tongue posture and swallowing patterns
- Promoting nasal over mouth breathing
- Strengthening facial muscles for balanced growth.
Signs Your Child Might Need Myofunctional Therapy
Not all children will require myofunctional orthodontics, but some habits and symptoms may indicate its usefulness:
- Mouth breathing (especially while sleeping)
- Thumb sucking or extended pacifier use
- Speech problems such as lisps or mumbling
- Open bite or crowded teeth
- Snoring or poor sleep.
These early solutions can solve complications such as misaligned jaws, sleep apnea, and even digestive problems.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
This therapy uses a combination of exercises and removable appliances to retrain oral muscles. Some common techniques include:
1. Tongue Strengthening Exercises
Teaching the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth helps guide proper jaw development.
2. Breathing Retraining
Breathing exercises enhance oxygen circulation and decrease the use of mouth breathing.
3. Lip and Cheek Muscle Training
Muscle tone can be improved by simple exercises such as holding a lip seal or chewing properly.
For more structured support, one can use devices like Myobrace or Myomunchee. These appliances ensure proper oral function while being worn only for a short duration daily.
The Benefits Go Beyond Straight Teeth
Following myofunctional therapy, parents notice the fantastic improvement in the health of their child:
- Better sleep quality from improved breathing patterns
- Clearer speech as tongue and lip coordination improves
- Gum disease and cavity reduction with appropriate oral posture
- Facial symmetry due to equal development of muscles.
Why Choose a Holistic Approach?
Traditional braces are able to straighten teeth, though, unless the underlying muscle habit is corrected, relapse is likely. Myofunctional orthodontics provides permanent solutions because it corrects the cause. It is safe and non-invasive and can promote the physical and functional development of your child.
Final Thoughts
Don’t think that Myofunctional orthodontics is just for aesthetic purposes; it can also build a foundation and be helpful for the lifelong health of your child. Whether you are looking for an Orthodontics facility in South Salem or seeking expert guidance, visiting McDonald Orthodontics will surely help improve your child’s smile—and also their overall well-being. Visiting a trained expert can clarify whether it is the appropriate approach for your family.
