Myobrace and Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Early orthodontic treatment (also called pre-orthodontic treatment) normally starts around the age of 8 to 9. This is a great time as the teeth, jaw and facial tissues are still developing, therefore certain bite problems can be corrected whereas it would be far more difficult later on when a child has stopped growing. Early treatment can also help to make room for permanent teeth, which reduces the chance of extractions in the future.
Myobrace treatment for children is a form of early orthodontics that can help your child achieve beautiful straighter teeth as their jaw develops. Myobrace is a teeth straightening approach that involves no-braces, it makes use of myofunctional orthodontic techniques that can assist in preventing poor oral habits that children may have at a young age (such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing) which can affect how teeth and jaw develop resulting in crooked teeth. The main advantage of Myobrace treatment is that it is a more natural approach, less painful and can be started at an early stage thus eliminating the potential for crooked teeth and extensive orthodontic treatment later in life.
The general dental guideline recommends that every child between the ages of 7 to 9 have an orthodontic evaluation, especially if your child has the following:
- Mouth breathing
- Persistent thumb sucking
- Teeth that stick out
- Teeth that do not bite together properly
- Severely crooked teeth
What cause orthodontic problems?
This can be a controversial topic. Normally we tend to think that crooked teeth are only due to genetics or “bad luck”, however, now we know that there are other factors such as thumb sucking or mouth breathing. Therefore, we strongly believe that prevention starts from a child’s infancy. Parents should help children eliminate bad habits like thumb sucking and look for signs of airway obstructions such as regular snoring, teeth grinding, or chronic mouth breathing.
Most orthodontic treatments start when children lose all their baby teeth, normally around the age of 13. However, most children would have stopped growing by this age. Orthodontic treatments at this stage are complex and may involve extractions or surgeries to get a pleasing aesthetic outcome. Having treatment early (if indicated) can help a child develop a more natural facial appearance and reduce the chances of extractions or surgeries in the future.
With the development of orthodontic technologies and techniques, early orthodontic treatment has become more common. Techniques include expanders, headgears and myofunctional appliances such as Myobrace.
Make your appointment today with one of our gentle and experienced dentists and make you and your families‘ oral health a number one priority.
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Phone: (03) 9763 3339
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Frequently Asked Questions — Early Orthodontic Treatment
What is early orthodontic treatment?
Early orthodontic treatment involves interceptive orthodontic care for children, usually between ages 5 and 10, while they still have a mix of baby and adult teeth. The aim is to address developing jaw and bite problems before they become more complex, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for braces later.
What is Myobrace and how does it work?
Myobrace is a myofunctional orthodontic system using removable appliances worn for 1–2 hours during the day and overnight. It corrects the underlying causes of crooked teeth — such as mouth breathing, incorrect tongue posture and poor swallowing habits — by training the jaw muscles to function correctly and guide natural dental development.
What age is best for early orthodontic treatment?
Early treatment is most effective between ages 5 and 10, when the jaw is still actively growing. At Knoxfield Dental Care we typically assess children from around age 5–7 for early intervention eligibility. Early assessment does not always mean immediate treatment — some children are simply monitored until the optimal time.
What problems can early orthodontic treatment address?
Early treatment can help correct mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, crowded or crooked teeth, crossbites, underbites, open bites and jaw development concerns. Addressing these during growth can simplify or prevent more complex orthodontic treatment in the teenage years.
Is Myobrace painful?
Myobrace appliances are removable and generally comfortable. Some mild pressure or discomfort may occur in the first few days of wearing a new appliance, which is temporary. There are no wires or brackets to cause irritation.
Will my child still need braces after Myobrace?
Not necessarily. By correcting the root causes of misalignment and guiding jaw development, Myobrace may reduce or eliminate the need for braces. Some children do proceed to traditional braces for final alignment, but overall treatment time and complexity is often reduced.
How is Myobrace different from traditional braces?
Traditional braces apply pressure to move teeth into position. Myobrace focuses on correcting muscle function, breathing habits and jaw growth so teeth can align more naturally. It is removable, requires no brackets or wires, and works at a developmental level rather than purely cosmetically.
How long does early orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the child’s age, severity of the issue and compliance with wearing the appliance. Myobrace treatment typically ranges from 12 months to 3 years. Consistent daily wear is essential for best results.
Does private health insurance cover early orthodontic treatment?
Private health insurance with orthodontic extras cover may provide a partial rebate for Myobrace treatment. Benefits vary by fund and policy. We recommend checking with your insurer before treatment. Knoxfield Dental Care can provide an itemised quote for your claim.
How do I book an early orthodontic assessment at Knoxfield Dental Care?
Book an assessment online 24/7 or call (03) 9763 3339. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am–5pm, at 1577 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield VIC 3180.