Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth are usually a result of having a narrow upper jaw (also known as the maxilla), making it difficult for teeth to come in straight or make room for them.

Removing perfectly healthy teeth to make room for all the teeth in the maxilla is considered “old-practice”. These days, some orthodontists are recommending starting orthodontic treatment as early as 4 years old in order to expand the jaws and mouth to accommodate the permanent teeth. At an early age, the jaw is still developing and growing. Children’s bones are so malleable that their bone will respond quickly to orthodontic expansion. Expansion not only gives the child a better smile, but also better breathing, and in turn better sleep. Correction of both cosmetic and functional issues is key.

Effects of a tongue thrust and mouth breathing on braces

A tongue thrust and mouth breathing will:

• Make treatment generally much more difficult for the orthodontist, because gaps and spaces are harder to close and teeth are more difficult to align.

• Slow down your orthodontic treatment, meaning that braces need to be worn for a longer period of time.

• Make your teeth move again after the braces are removed, which can lead to needing braces multiple times.

Orthodontic Relapse

Orthodontic relapse will happen if a tongue thrust swallowing pattern is still present. Many have gone through a second or even multiple round of braces thinking it’s because of not wearing retainers, but is it ever considered it’s because of a tongue thrust? Relapse can occur even when wearing retainers routinely. Muscle placement and movement guides bone structure — the tongue is a strong muscle!

How orofacial myofunctional therapy can help

The ideal time to start myofunctional therapy is before braces are put on. However, therapy can significantly improve the results of orthodontic treatment at any time, even when braces are on the teeth.