When it comes to orthodontic care, many people think they should wait until a child is around 12-14 years old. However, waiting this long can lead to problems that are harder to correct later. By addressing dental occlusion early and pairing it with myofunctional therapy, we can encourage proper alignment and space for all teeth to grow in naturally. If you’re searching for an “osteopath near me” or an osteopath in Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, or Hampton Park, early orthodontic care with myofunctional therapy can set a foundation for lifelong dental health without needing extractions that can impact airways and breathing.
Why Early Orthodontics Matters
Starting orthodontic work early can help create a wide, healthy dental arch that can comfortably hold all teeth. Waiting until the teenage years often means the dental arches have already formed, and if they’re too narrow, traditional orthodontics may suggest extractions to create space. However, removing teeth reduces the size of the arch even more, which can crowd the airway and lead to problems like sleep-disordered breathing. By acting early, you can prevent these issues and ensure that your child’s airway and teeth develop properly from the start.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Orthodontics
Myofunctional therapy works by training the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue to rest in the right positions. It helps prevent habits like mouth breathing and low tongue posture, which can interfere with proper dental alignment. By combining myofunctional therapy with orthodontics, especially in younger children, we can guide jaw and dental arch development to allow all teeth to fit naturally, reducing the need for extractions or other invasive treatments.
Example: In Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, and Hampton Park, osteopaths and orthodontists use myofunctional therapy to build healthy habits like keeping the tongue at the roof of the mouth, which encourages natural arch expansion and reduces the risk of crowding and airway issues.
The Downsides of Extraction-Based Orthodontics
In traditional orthodontics, extractions have been used to create space in crowded mouths. However, this can lead to several issues:
Shrinking of the Dental Arch: By removing teeth, the dental arches can shrink, limiting space for the tongue and potentially narrowing the airway.
Airway Restriction: Smaller arches can restrict the airway, increasing the risk of sleep problems, such as sleep apnea.
Relapse of Alignment: When teeth are removed, the closed spaces may not stay stable, leading to further alignment issues later on.
Developing Dental Arches Early: A Modern Approach
Modern orthodontics focuses on arch development to prevent these complications. Instead of extraction, the goal is to guide the jaw to grow wide enough to fit all the teeth comfortably. This not only supports better alignment but also promotes a healthier airway. The best time to start is while children are still growing since younger bones are easier to shape and support natural arch expansion.
For families in Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, or Hampton Park seeking orthodontic solutions, osteopaths and orthodontists often recommend early assessment to ensure ample space for all teeth and a strong, healthy airway.
How Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontics Work Together
Myofunctional therapy provides the foundation for healthy arch development:
Encouraging Proper Tongue Posture: Training the tongue to rest on the roof of the mouth naturally supports the upper arch, creating space for all teeth.
Promoting Nasal Breathing: Breathing through the nose encourages better facial structure, which is important for dental and airway health.
Developing Healthy Swallowing Patterns: Proper swallowing helps keep the muscles of the face and jaw working in harmony, supporting a well-aligned dental arch.
By combining myofunctional therapy with early orthodontics, children can develop healthy dental arches and avoid the need for extractions. This approach supports both dental and airway health, allowing children to breathe better and avoid long-term complications.
In Summary
Addressing dental alignment early with myofunctional therapy and orthodontics is beneficial not only for straight teeth but also for supporting a healthy airway. For parents searching for an osteopath in Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, or Hampton Park, early orthodontic intervention could be the key to ensuring your child grows up with strong, spacious dental arches and a clear airway. By investing in these combined therapies early on, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy breathing and a beautiful smile.
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