Choosing the right orthodontic solution for your child can impact their smile, confidence, and oral health. As children grow, issues like crooked teeth, jaw misalignment, and poor oral habits often appear. Fortunately, today’s dentistry offers more comfortable and preventive alternatives than traditional metal braces.
Two leading options, Myobrace and Invisalign, approach orthodontic care differently. One focuses on early habit correction and natural development, while the other offers discreet alignment for growing teens.
Let’s explain the differences between Myobrace and Invisalign, how each works, and how to decide which best fits your child’s smile journey.
What Is Myobrace Treatment and How Can It Help Your Child?
Myobrace is a preventive orthodontic system designed to address the root causes of crooked teeth and jaw development issues in children aged 5 and 15. It is most effective during the early growth phases when the facial bones and muscles are still developing.
Unlike traditional orthodontics, which focuses on moving teeth, Myobrace aims to avoid incorrect oral habits that hinder natural facial development.
These habits include:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting
- Reverse swallowing
- Poor lip and tongue posture
By correcting these habits early, Myobrace establishes a healthier oral environment and sets the stage for proper jaw alignment and tooth eruption.
How Myobrace Works
The Myobrace system includes a series of soft, removable appliances combined with myofunctional exercises. These components work together to support healthy oral habits and guide jaw growth. The treatment process includes:
- Wear Schedule: Appliances are worn for one to two hours each day and overnight while sleeping.
- Habit Correction: The appliances encourage correct tongue posture, promote nasal breathing, and retrain swallowing patterns.
- Growth Guidance: Myobrace supports natural jaw development, often reducing the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later in life.
- Overall Benefits: By fostering proper facial growth and posture, Myobrace contributes to long-term oral health and improved airway function.
This proactive, non-invasive approach supports the body’s natural growth processes and helps prevent future complications.
What Is Invisalign for Kids and When Should You Consider It?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of clear, removable aligners to move teeth into their ideal positions gradually. While commonly used by teens and adults, a version known as Invisalign First is specifically designed for younger children with developing dentition.
Invisalign may be appropriate for children who:
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues
- Are responsible enough to comply with wearing the aligners as instructed
- Prefer a discreet, virtually invisible alternative to braces
- Have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, or are nearing complete permanent dentition
According to Align Technology (makers of Invisalign), over 17 million patients have been treated with Invisalign globally.
How Invisalign Works for Effective, Discreet Teeth Alignment
The Invisalign process is structured to deliver precise, gradual tooth movement under professional supervision. Key steps include:
- Custom Fabrication: Aligners are made from medical-grade thermoplastic and customized to fit snugly over each child’s teeth.
- Daily Wear Time: Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, removed only during meals or when brushing and flossing.
- Progressive Movement: Patients switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks to continue the alignment process.
- Regular Monitoring: Routine checkups ensure the treatment progresses as planned and allow for timely adjustments.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and highly effective for many orthodontic issues.
Myobrace vs Invisalign: A Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing between Myobrace and Invisalign involves understanding their core philosophies, methods, and suitability. Below is a breakdown to help guide your decision.
| Aspect | Myobrace | Invisalign |
| Treatment Philosophy and Objective | It focuses on correcting the root causes of misalignment (poor oral habits) and guiding natural jaw/facial development. | It focuses on mechanically moving teeth into alignment without addressing oral habits. Ideal for correcting existing misalignments. |
| Ideal Age and Timing | Best for children aged 5–10, especially before all permanent teeth erupt. | Suitable for children 7 and older, particularly those with mixed or full permanent dentition. |
| Daily Wear Time and Commitment | Worn 1–2 hours during the day and overnight. Requires consistent myofunctional exercises. | Worn for 20–22 hours per day. Removed only for eating and oral hygiene. Requires strict compliance. |
| Scope of Treatment and Effectiveness | It is effective for early intervention, habit correction, and jaw development. It may prevent or reduce the need for future braces. | Effective for moderate misalignment issues like crowding, spacing, and crossbites. Results are often comparable to braces. |
| Aesthetic Appeal and Comfort | Worn mostly at home or while sleeping, so it’s discreet during social/school activities. | Made of clear plastic, aligners are nearly invisible and comfortable for day-long wear. |
Myobrace vs Invisalign: Which Option Is Best for Your Child?
Your child’s age, dental development, and ability to comply with treatment are key factors in choosing the right orthodontic solution. Myobrace is best for younger children who need early jaw development and habit correction guidance. Invisalign is ideal for older children or teens with permanent teeth who require cosmetic alignment with minimal visibility.
In some situations, combining both treatments, beginning with Myobrace and transitioning to Invisalign, may deliver optimal results.
Summary
Both Myobrace and Invisalign are effective orthodontic treatments, each with distinct advantages. Myobrace emphasizes early intervention and habit correction, making it a great fit for younger children. Invisalign offers precise, discreet tooth movement and is well-suited for older children with established dentition. At Sipes Dental, we tailor orthodontic care based on your child’s needs to help them achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Book a Consultation for Personalized Orthodontic Guidance
The right orthodontic treatment is important for your child’s long-term dental health. At Sipes Dental, our expert team offers comprehensive evaluations and customized care to ensure the best outcome. To schedule a consultation, call us at 717-563-6653 or visit our York, PA 17402 office. Let us help your child begin their journey to a confident, well-aligned smile.
FAQs
Is Myobrace effective for kids?
Yes, Myobrace is effective for children, especially when started early. It addresses the root causes of misalignment by correcting poor oral habits. Consistent use promotes healthy jaw growth and may reduce the need for braces.
What is the best age to start Myobrace?
The ideal age to begin Myobrace treatment is between 5 and 10 years. During this stage, a child’s facial and jaw development is most adaptable, allowing Myobrace to guide growth and correct habits effectively.
What are the side effects of Myobrace?
Myobrace is a safe, noninvasive treatment. Some children may initially experience temporary discomfort or increased saliva, which resolves as they adjust to the appliance. Long-term side effects are rare.
Do orthodontists prefer Invisalign?
Many orthodontists recommend Invisalign for older children and teens due to its aesthetics, comfort, and effectiveness. However, for younger children with habit-related issues, Myobrace is often preferred to address the root causes of misalignment early on.
Does Myobrace straighten teeth?
Yes, Myobrace can help straighten teeth by creating the right conditions for natural alignment. It focuses on guiding jaw growth, correcting oral habits, and promoting proper tooth eruption and alignment.
Bibliography & Sources
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