Orthodontic problems are usually a symptom of underdeveloped jaws and faces.

The development of the bone structures that form the lower two-thirds of the face and jaws are largely influenced by the function of the muscles that surround them.

In particular, the tongue is a key muscle that influences the growth of the midface and upper jaw. It is the biggest muscle in the body for the space it occupies and the pressure it exerts helps to mold these bones, particularly in the earliest years of life.  Numerous studies have demonstrated how low resting tongue posture in mouth breathing children affects jaw development.

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Since the roof of your mouth (palate) forms the floor of the nose, narrow palates are associated with smaller airways (nasal and sinus passages). Many studies show increased resistance to nasal airflow when the palate is underdeveloped. This increases the risk of developing mouth breathing and obstructive sleep apnoea. It's a domino effect. 

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What is Pre-Orthodontics?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders are evident at an early age, even before adult teeth are present. Early intervention and treatment can have a huge impact on a child's growth and development. During the natural growth process, correct function facilitates correct jaw and facial development. Unfortunately, waiting until all adult teeth have come through to begin orthodontic treatment can lead to irreversible damage affecting not only the teeth, but the jaw and airway size can be compromised.

 

The facial development of a child is mostly complete by age 10-13 year old, so starting sooner rather than later, around 3-4 years of age depending on your child's health concern and maturity. 

• Age four: 60% of facial growth is complete

• Age six: 80% of facial growth is complete

• Age 11: 90% of facial growth is complete

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Addressing myofunctional dysfunctions at an early age can help prevent costly and time consuming orthodontic procedures in the future.

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Would my child benefit from early orthodontic intervention?

If your child has any of the concerns below, this may be an indication that the jaws and face are not developing correctly.

• Crowded, crooked (especially baby teeth) or misplaced teeth

• Small, recessed chin

• Mouth breathing, snoring, audible breathing or sleep concerns

• Long, narrow facial structure

• Cross bite, Open bite, Overbite, Underbite

• Difficulty chewing, eating and biting

• Open lip posture

• Missing or extra teeth

• High, 'V' shaped or narrow palate

• Tongue-tie, or previous tongue-tie

• Jaw and teeth are not proportionate to the face

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Myofunctional therapy works with activities, exercises and changes in habits. We may require additional support appliances to encourage compliance. For example, we may incorporate a Bebe Munchee, a small chewing device made of soft, medical grade silicone. Shaped like a mouthguard, with a handle attached, the mouthpiece is soft, but durable, with lots of silicone prongs, which massage the teeth and gums. The babies love them. 

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The Munchee systems : Bebe is designed for babies to start from approximately 6-9 months old. Bebe is a fun way to maximise the development of some important nerve pathways that influence development at this age. The Bebe an ideal addition to the toolbox of dummy/ thumb sucking transition, as it helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Its a fun and safe introduction to mouth play and chewing with added beneficial neurological side-effects. 

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There is a small window of opportunity to help your child when it comes to early orthodontic intervention, and you don’t want to miss it!