A child’s smile grows and changes quickly. Some changes are easy to spot, while others happen quietly beneath the surface. When habits like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or improper swallowing patterns develop, they can gradually affect how the teeth and jaws grow. Our dentist in Durban, The Dental Bar, offers Myobrace, which is a gentle, preventive approach designed to guide healthy development early, helping your child build better oral habits and a more balanced smile over time.
What is Myobrace?
Myobrace is a treatment system that focuses on improving the habits that influence the way a child’s teeth and jaws develop. Instead of waiting for teeth to fully move out of place, Myobrace works to correct the underlying behaviours that may contribute to misalignment. These habits include incorrect tongue position, nasal breathing challenges, and poor swallowing patterns.
The treatment uses a series of removable oral appliances worn for short periods during the day and overnight. These appliances apply light pressure to guide the teeth and jaws while encouraging healthier muscle patterns.
If your child later requires further orthodontic support, clear aligners may become part of their treatment plan.
How does Myobrace support healthy growth?
Children’s teeth and jaws respond strongly to muscle activity. When a child breathes through the mouth rather than the nose, or when the tongue is low, the facial muscles adapt and influence the direction of growth. Myobrace aims to create an environment that allows jaws to develop more naturally.
The treatment encourages:
- Correct tongue posture
- Nasal breathing
- Improved swallowing patterns
- Gentle guidance of erupting teeth
Each of these behaviours supports the healthy development of the jaws and can reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later.
Who may benefit from Myobrace?
Your dentist in Durban may recommend Myobrace if your child shows early signs of:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring or restless sleep
- Difficulty chewing with lips closed
- Crowding or narrow arches
- Thumb or finger sucking habits
Myobrace is most effective when introduced while the jaws are still developing. Many children begin treatment between the ages of three and fifteen, depending on their needs.
If your child has already experienced changes to the shape or position of their teeth, our dental check-up can assess oral development and identify the next steps.
What happens during the Myobrace process?
The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of your child’s facial growth, breathing habits, and oral posture. Once suitability is confirmed, your dentist provides a series of appliances tailored to your child’s stage of development.
During treatment, your child will:
- Wear the appliance daily for the recommended time
- Use the appliance overnight
- Follow simple exercises to strengthen facial and oral muscles
- Attend review appointments to monitor progress
These exercises are an important part of treatment. They help the tongue, cheeks, and lips work together in a way that supports natural development.
How long does Myobrace treatment last?
The duration of treatment varies depending on your child’s age, developmental stage, and the habits that need correction. Some children require more time to establish new patterns. Your dentist will guide you through the expected timeline at the start of treatment and provide updates as your child grows.
Support your child’s oral development today
If you would like to support your child’s oral development in a gentle, preventive way, Myobrace may be a suitable option.
Book your consultation today and learn how Myobrace can support your child’s growing smile.
