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Wheatfield Family Dentistry

Wheatfield Family DentistryWheatfield Family DentistryWheatfield Family Dentistry

Wheatfield Family Dentistry

Wheatfield Family DentistryWheatfield Family DentistryWheatfield Family Dentistry
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Dentists'
    • Meet the Team
  • For Patients
    • Patient Forms
    • Dental Insurance
    • Membership Plan
  • Services
    • Preventive Dentistry
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Laser Dentistry
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Invisalign Aligners
    • Pediatric Expansion
    • Tongue and Lip Ties
    • Sleep Apnea
  • More
    • Home
    • About Us
      • Meet the Dentists'
      • Meet the Team
    • For Patients
      • Patient Forms
      • Dental Insurance
      • Membership Plan
    • Services
      • Preventive Dentistry
      • Restorative Dentistry
      • Laser Dentistry
      • Sedation Dentistry
      • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Invisalign Aligners
      • Pediatric Expansion
      • Tongue and Lip Ties
      • Sleep Apnea
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Dentists'
    • Meet the Team
  • For Patients
    • Patient Forms
    • Dental Insurance
    • Membership Plan
  • Services
    • Preventive Dentistry
    • Restorative Dentistry
    • Laser Dentistry
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Invisalign Aligners
    • Pediatric Expansion
    • Tongue and Lip Ties
    • Sleep Apnea

DEVELOP HEALTHY MYOFUNCTIONAL HABITS

A palatal expander is an orthodontic appliance designed to gradually widen the upper and/or lower jaw. Its primary purpose is to create sufficient space for permanent teeth to erupt properly and to correct imbalances between the upper and lower jaws, ensuring the teeth align and function harmoniously. In cases where the jaw is underdeveloped or narrow, expanders also help improve airway space, which can reduce the risk of sleep-disordered breathing.


Although the concept of widening the jaw may sound intimidating, the process is gentle and typically painless. The upper jaw consists of two separate halves that naturally fuse during the mid-teen years. When used before this fusion occurs, an expander gradually encourages the two halves to widen, reshaping the palate over time.


While the expander addresses jaw and facial structure, additional orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign® or braces may follow to align the teeth and fine-tune the bite.

Photo courtesy of Zaghi MD and The Breathe Institute. No infringement intended.

MYOBRACE®

Myobrace® is a removable oral appliance system designed to address underlying causes of orthodontic, breathing, and myofunctional disorders in children. By applying gentle pressure to the teeth and jaws, it helps expand the dental arches and supports proper facial and oral development. Each appliance features a soft, flexible outer shell combined with a firmer internal core for effective yet comfortable treatment. Additionally, Myobrace® promotes proper oral habits by encouraging correct tongue posture, lip seal, and swallowing function.


Treatment consists of wearing a series of appliances for 1–2 hours daily and overnight while sleeping. During the evaluation process, we assess several key indicators to determine if a child is a suitable candidate for Myobrace® therapy, including:

  • Dental alignment and arch form
  • Bite (occlusion)
  • Facial and jaw development
  • Breathing patterns and posture
  • Tongue position and swallowing
  • Lip and cheek function
  • Oral habits and TMJ health

We then take measurements to determine the appropriate appliance size for your child’s treatment.

While Myobrace® can contribute to straighter teeth, improved airway function, and enhanced facial growth, it does not guarantee that future orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign® will not be needed.

Stages of myobrace®

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

The first stage of treatment focuses on establishing proper oral and facial muscle function. This includes teaching the patient to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, retraining the tongue to rest in its correct position against the palate, promoting a proper swallowing pattern, and encouraging the lips to remain closed when no

The first stage of treatment focuses on establishing proper oral and facial muscle function. This includes teaching the patient to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, retraining the tongue to rest in its correct position against the palate, promoting a proper swallowing pattern, and encouraging the lips to remain closed when not eating or speaking. These foundational habits support optimal facial development, improve airway function, and lay the groundwork for effective orthodontic outcomes.

Stage 2 - Arch Development

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Underdeveloped upper and lower jaws can contribute to a range of functional and aesthetic concerns. These may include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, dental crowding, and an imbalanced facial appearance. Insufficient jaw development often leads to a recessed chin, chronic mouth breathing, poorly defined j

Underdeveloped upper and lower jaws can contribute to a range of functional and aesthetic concerns. These may include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, dental crowding, and an imbalanced facial appearance. Insufficient jaw development often leads to a recessed chin, chronic mouth breathing, poorly defined jawlines, and the presence of bite discrepancies such as overbites and underbites. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for guiding proper facial growth and preventing long-term complications.

Stage 3 - Dental Alignment

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Stage 3 - Dental Alignment

Because Myobrace® appliances are removable, consistent patient compliance is critical to the success of treatment. To achieve optimal results, appliances must be worn daily for the recommended duration and overnight while sleeping. Patient cooperation and motivation play a central role in the effectiveness of therapy and long-term treatment outcomes.

Stage 4 - Retention

Stage 1 - Habit Correction

Stage 3 - Dental Alignment

Retention is the final and essential stage of Myobrace® treatment, designed to ensure that proper oral habits are maintained over time. Following the completion of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® or braces, the use of a retainer is critical to prevent relapse and preserve the alignment and development achieved during active treatment.

Fixed expansion

The Super Screw Expander is an advanced orthodontic appliance designed to address multiple developmental concerns within the oral cavity. It is primarily used to alleviate dental crowding, enhance airway volume, provide additional space for proper tongue posture, and correct posterior crossbites.

This device often includes sweep arms positioned behind the front teeth. These arms gently guide the front teeth forward, assisting in both dental alignment and arch development.

The Lower Fixed Schwarz Expander is an orthodontic appliance used to widen the lower dental arch and upright the back teeth. By expanding the arch, it helps create the necessary space to alleviate crowding and allow for the proper eruption of permanent teeth.

This appliance may also feature finger springs positioned behind the front teeth, which can be activated to gently procline and align the anterior teeth as expansion occurs. For comprehensive arch development, the Lower Fixed Schwarz Expander can be used in conjunction with an upper arch expander when indicated.

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