Does your kid need braces? Do not worry; it is nothing unusual. Nearly 75% of children will need braces or orthodontic work before they turn 13.
The main dilemma these days is metal braces vs. Myobrace; which one is better? For years the only option for kids with malocclusions in their teeth was the metal braces fitted to their teeth. Nowadays, children have one more option, the Myobrace system.
What is the difference between the two? How well and quickly does either of the two solve jaw and bite development problems, including malocclusions.
What Are Malocclusions?
The Dental Practice Board defines malocclusion as an abnormal occlusion , when teeth are not normally positioned in relation to other teeth in the same jaw.
In plain words, it means that teeth are not properly aligned, and a child or a person has crooked teeth or a misalignment when they bite.
Malocclusion can come in different forms. All of them are pretty common in kids. Here is the detailed list of all the forms of malocclusion:
- Overcrowding
It is quite a common malocclusion form caused by a lack of space for the teeth in the jaw. Children with this problem have crooked and overlapping teeth. Adults have orthodontic work done almost solely due to not correcting this form of malocclusion in their childhood.
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- Overjet
Children that have a problem with overjet have their top teeth extending past their bottom teeth horizontally. If the teeth are protruding into the cheeks, a child can have problems when eating or speaking.
- Overbite
The upper teeth normally overlap your lower teeth a bit, but if they go too far, you have a problem called an overbite.
- Crossbite
If the upper teeth interfere with your lower teeth, you have a crossbite. It can happen only at the front, or one side, or even all over the jaw.
- Anterior crossbite (underbite)
This form of crossbite affects only your front teeth. The lower teeth come over the upper ones – it is the opposite of the overbite.
- Spacing
Unusually wide spacing between two or more teeth can be caused by missing teeth, small teeth, or thumb sucking.
- Diastema
A diastema is usually the wide space between the two front teeth.
- Missing tooth
It can be a result of some kind of trauma or improper teeth development.
Why is it essential to act as early as possible?
Even the minor problems that occur in early childhood can develop to become significant issues in adults. For this reason, Early Intervention Orthodontics is essential if you want to avoid extensive, costly treatments.
When malocclusions are treated early, the child’s teeth can continue to grow naturally into the correct formation. There will be less pain and no difficulties or complications such as breathing through the mouth or improper facial development. You will also save tons of money
on future orthodontic treatments.
How Do Metal Braces Help? The Pros & Cons
Braces are a more traditional and pretty standard orthodontic system used by numerous children and adults to straighten teeth and correct irregularities.
Pros:
- Unlike Myobrace, metal braces can help adults with severe dental issues. Only metal braces can make the adjustments that a complex mouth needs.
- Highly effective at correcting problems that are likely to evolve into more significant issues in the future if left untreated
- Durable and thus suitable for reckless or clumsy kids. As braces can be quite costly, choosing the strong metal ones is about cost, too.
- Metal braces will correct your teeth in the shortest amount of time.
- An affordable option.
Cons:
- Not the most aesthetically pleasing solution. They are the most noticeable type of braces.
- They cause temporary discomfort and soreness.
See also: Stony Plain Dental
How Does Myobrace Help? The Pros & Cons
The Myobrace system is an alternative to the traditional, bulky braces. It is a preventative pre-orthodontic treatment that addresses the underlying causes of malocclusions, such as abnormal development or improper oral habits. It’s a series of appliances that provide light force to realign your teeth.
Pros:
- Do not require you to wear braces 24 hours a day. The Myobrace system is applied for one or two hours a day and the time you are sleeping.
- When combined with ‘myofunctional exercises,’ the Myobrace can eliminate the need for future invasive orthodontal work.
- It can help improve your breathing patterns and strengthen the facial muscles.
Cons:
- It cannot help adults with severe issues.
- A person has to remember to be consistent with Myobrace.