Neuromuscular Orthodontics
Neuromuscular Orthodontics for Kids
Neuromuscular orthodontics for kids focuses on helping the jaw, muscles, and teeth work together to make sure everything feels comfortable and functions well, while also ensuring that teeth come in properly as they grow. When it comes to kids, early intervention is key. Children as young as five can start showing signs of TMJ, a condition that can cause pain and make everyday activities harder. Signs include airway and posture dysfunction (forward head), and complaining of ear pain based on the jaw being too far back into the joint capsule. These children can demonstrate a deep over bite due to retrusion of the mandible. Our team has years of experience helping kids improve their breathing, bite, and posture through expanding arches to ensure everything works smoothly and comfortably.
How Neuromuscular Orthodontics Work for Kids
- An assessment is performed to see how your child’s jaw, teeth, and muscles are working together.
- Based on the assessment, a personalized plan is created that will likely involve using special orthodontic appliances to gently adjust the position of your child’s teeth and jaw, thereby optimizing the airway and posture. These appliances help align the jaw, so the muscles can relax and work more comfortably through the process.
- Your child wears these appliances 24/7 including eating to help their muscles and jaw stay in the right position. This consistent wear helps improve the bite and muscle function creating a better posture, swallowing, and breathing.
- Over time, the jaw and muscles become better aligned, helping to reduce discomfort, improve breathing, and make sure the teeth come in the right way.
The TMJ & Sleep Center Experience for Your Child
Our treatments are designed with your child’s comfort in mind. No drills, surgeries, or pills are involved. Instead, we use palatal expansion appliances that gently adjust, creating room for healthy growth. With optimal jaw and posture positioning, your child will enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Expansion is slow,non-painful, and stable. (Not rapid palate expansion)
Your peace of mind is important to us. We understand that navigating dental care for children can be daunting. Our commitment is to guide you with transparency and reassurance. We keep you informed every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.
Begin Your Child's Path to Comfort and Relief
Neuromuscular orthodontics offers a gentle, effective way to help your child’s jaw, teeth, and muscles work together properly, improving comfort and function. With the right treatment plan, our team can help reduce discomfort, improve breathing and posture, and guide your child’s teeth into the right position for long-term dental health.