Dr. Sápi Dent Kft.

Most parents believe that crooked teeth are inherited. In reality, most orthodontic problems are caused by poor habits that influence the development of the child’s face and jaws. These are called myofunctional bad habits.

What are the most common bad habits?

1. Mouth breathing

• If a child often breathes through their mouth, it affects not only the teeth but the entire facial structure.
• Consequences may include: a narrow upper jaw, long facial shape, crowded teeth, and fatigue.

2. Tongue thrusting during swallowing

• In this case, the tongue pushes forward between the teeth when swallowing.
• Consequences: open bite, protruding front teeth, and a bite that can easily relapse even after orthodontic treatment.

3. Incorrect tongue posture

• The tongue rests low, between or behind the teeth, instead of on the palate.
• This prevents the proper expansion of the upper jaw and can lead to crowding.

4. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use

• Constant sucking movements alter the position of the jaws and teeth.
• Consequences: open bite, protruding teeth, and a narrow upper jaw.

5. Lip or nail biting

• Repeated pressure from these habits can shift the position of the teeth.
• Consequences: irregular teeth alignment and improper jaw position.

Why is it important to recognize these habits early?

If bad habits persist, tooth misalignment can often reoccur even after braces are removed. This is why myofunctional therapy – such as the Myobrace system – not only improves tooth alignment but also addresses the root cause of the problem.

How can Myobrace help?

The Myobrace appliance:

– teaches correct tongue posture,
– promotes nasal breathing,
– improves swallowing patterns,
– helps eliminate the harmful habits that cause orthodontic problems.

Summary

Orthodontic problems are not purely hereditary. They can often be prevented and corrected by addressing poor oral habits. By recognizing and treating issues such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or thumb sucking early, more serious orthodontic interventions can often be avoided.