Most orthodontic problems are not simply the result of genetics. They are the result of oral habits, muscle dysfunction, and breathing patterns that interfere with the natural development of the jaws and teeth during childhood. At Ultima Dental Wellness in Calgary, AB, Dr. Krim, Dr. Yoo, and Dr. Kowalko offer Myobrace as part of a broader commitment to airway-centered, preventive orthodontic care that addresses the underlying causes of malocclusion rather than simply correcting the visible result after development is already complete.
The Root Cause Of Many Orthodontic Problems
Crowding, narrow arches, protruding front teeth, and bite irregularities are frequently traced back to muscle habits and breathing patterns that develop in early childhood and persist without intervention. Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, low tongue posture, and incorrect swallowing patterns all place abnormal forces on the developing jaw and dental arches, gradually shaping growth in directions that create the orthodontic problems that become apparent as permanent teeth erupt. Myobrace is designed to identify and correct these underlying functional issues during the years when growth is still occurring, and the potential for meaningful change is greatest.
How Myobrace® Works
Myobrace is a series of removable intraoral appliances worn for one to two hours during the day and throughout sleep. Each appliance in the series is designed to train the muscles of the lips, cheeks, and tongue into the correct functional positions, encourage nasal breathing over mouth breathing, develop the dental arches to their natural dimensions, and guide erupting teeth into better alignment as they emerge. The appliance works in conjunction with a program of Myobrace Activities, exercises that reinforce correct muscle function and breathing patterns outside of appliance wear time.
Encouraging Proper Tongue & Lip Posture
Correct resting tongue posture, with the tongue resting gently against the palate rather than sitting low in the mouth or pressing against the front teeth, is one of the most important factors in healthy jaw development. When the tongue consistently rests in the correct position, it provides the internal pressure needed to develop the upper arch to its proper width and shape. Incorrect tongue posture deprives the developing arch of that support and often contributes directly to palatal narrowing, crowding, and bite irregularities. Myobrace trains correct tongue posture as a consistent habit rather than a conscious effort.
Supporting Natural Jaw Development
The jaws develop most actively during childhood, and the functional environment they develop within shapes their ultimate form. A child who breathes through the nose, swallows correctly, and maintains proper muscle posture provides the conditions for the jaws to grow to their natural size and shape. A child who mouth-breathes, tongue thrusts, or maintains incorrect lip and tongue posture is providing a functional environment that constrains jaw development and redirects growth. Myobrace creates the correct functional conditions during the active growth phase, allowing the jaws to develop more fully and reducing the scope of orthodontic correction needed later.
Improving Nasal Breathing Patterns
Nasal breathing is the physiologically correct breathing mode and plays a significant role in facial development, airway health, and sleep quality. Mouth breathing bypasses the filtering, humidifying, and nitric oxide-producing functions of the nasal airway, contributes to narrower palatal development, and is associated with poorer sleep quality and increased fatigue in children. Dr. Yoo has invested extensively in airway assessment and orthodontic training, and the team at Ultima Dental Wellness incorporates breathing evaluation as part of Myobrace assessment, addressing nasal breathing habits as a component of the overall functional correction program.
Early Intervention & The Best Window For Treatment
Myobrace is most effective when initiated during the mixed dentition phase, typically between the ages of six and ten, when jaw growth is active, and the potential for meaningful functional correction is greatest. Addressing the underlying causes of malocclusion during this window can reduce or, in some cases, eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later, and produce developmental outcomes that support better long-term oral health and airway function. Dr. Krim, Dr. Yoo, and Dr. Kowalko assess children for Myobrace candidacy as part of routine growth monitoring and provide honest guidance about the appropriate timing for intervention.
Daily Wear & Compliance
Myobrace outcomes depend significantly on consistent appliance wear and active participation in the Myobrace Activities program. The appliance is worn for one to two hours during waking hours and during sleep, and the activities program is practiced daily to reinforce the functional habits being trained. Dr. Krim, Dr. Yoo, and Dr. Kowalko work with both patients and parents to establish realistic expectations, provide clear guidance on wear and activities compliance, and monitor progress at regular appointments to confirm that the treatment is progressing as planned.
Long-Term Functional Improvements
The goal of Myobrace treatment extends beyond a straighter smile. Patients who complete Myobrace treatment with good compliance often demonstrate broader arches, improved nasal breathing, better tongue and lip posture, and more harmonious facial development than would have occurred without intervention. These functional improvements support better long-term oral health, reduced orthodontic relapse, and, in many cases, a more complete result than alignment correction alone can achieve. At Ultima Dental Wellness, Myobrace is offered as part of a genuinely comprehensive approach to orthodontic and airway health that treats the whole patient, not just the teeth.
Call our Calgary, AB office or book online to schedule your Myobrace consultation at Ultima Dental Wellness.