If your child has crooked teeth or jaw alignment issues, you've likely considered braces. But there's another option many Katy parents don't know about: Myobrace. This innovative treatment takes a fundamentally different approach to straightening teeth. At Discovery Dental, we help parents understand both options to make the best choice for their child.
The Traditional Braces Approach
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to physically force teeth into proper alignment. They're effective for many orthodontic issues and have been used for decades. However, braces:
- Treat the symptom (crooked teeth) not the cause
- Typically require 2-3 years of treatment
- Often involve extracting teeth to make room
- Require permanent retainers to prevent relapse
- Can be uncomfortable and affect eating/cleaning
The Myobrace Difference
Myobrace takes a completely different approach. Instead of forcing teeth into position, it addresses *why* teeth are crooked in the first place—poor oral habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrust, and incorrect swallowing patterns.
Myobrace uses removable appliances worn for just 1-2 hours during the day plus overnight, combined with simple daily exercises. By correcting the underlying habits, Myobrace:
- Allows teeth to align naturally
- Promotes proper jaw development
- Improves breathing and airway
- Often eliminates the need for braces entirely
- Creates lasting results without permanent retainers
Which is Right for Your Child?
Myobrace may be ideal if your child**: - Is between ages 3-15 - Breathes through their mouth - Has crowded or crooked teeth - Shows early signs of jaw misalignment - Has habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrust - You prefer a natural, non-invasive approach:
Traditional braces may be better if**: - All permanent teeth have already erupted - Severe orthodontic issues are present - Your child is an older teen or adult - Complex bite problems require mechanical correction:
The Best Time to Start
One major advantage of Myobrace is that treatment can begin as early as age 3, when poor habits are first developing. Traditional braces typically wait until age 11-14 when all permanent teeth are present.
Early Myobrace treatment can:
- Guide natural jaw development
- Create space for permanent teeth
- Reduce or eliminate the need for braces later
- Improve breathing and sleep quality
Combining Approaches
Some children benefit from starting with Myobrace to correct habits and develop the jaw, then finishing with a short course of braces or Invisalign if needed. This combination approach often results in shorter braces treatment with better long-term stability.
Schedule a Consultation in Katy
Dr. Nguyen will evaluate your child's specific situation—including jaw development, breathing patterns, and habits—to recommend the best approach. Call Discovery Dental at (281) 599-7088 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child start Myobrace?
Myobrace is designed for children ages 3-15, with early treatment often producing the best results. The ideal time to start depends on your child's specific issues and development stage.
How long does Myobrace treatment take?
Myobrace treatment typically takes 12-24 months, though this varies by individual. Unlike braces, Myobrace works with natural growth, so timing depends on how well habits are corrected and jaw development progresses.
Will my child still need braces after Myobrace?
Many children who complete Myobrace treatment don't need braces at all. Some may benefit from a short course of braces for fine-tuning, but it's usually much shorter than if they had only used braces.