Myofunctional Appliances in Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Smiles offers myofunctional appliances in Wilmington, NC to address the root causes of crooked teeth, poor jaw development, and airway obstruction in children. Dr. Norma Cortez and Dr. Adrian Soto use these systems to guide natural growth, improve breathing, and establish healthy oral habits early in life.
Myofunctional Appliance Systems We Offer:
Myofunctional Appliances Explained
Myofunctional appliances are removable oral devices that train the muscles of the face, tongue, and jaw to function properly. When children develop habits like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or incorrect swallowing patterns, the jaws may not develop to their full potential. This leads to crowded teeth, narrow arches, and compromised airways.
By correcting these habits during critical growth periods, myofunctional appliances help the jaws develop naturally, create adequate space for permanent teeth, and improve airway volume for better breathing and sleep.
Benefits of Myofunctional Appliances
- Address the root causes of crooked teeth and underdeveloped jaws.
- Guide natural jaw growth and facial development.
- Improve nasal breathing and reduce mouth breathing.
- Train proper tongue posture, swallowing, and lip seal.
- May reduce or eliminate the need for braces later.
- Support better sleep quality and airway health.
What to Expect
After evaluation, the appropriate appliance system is selected based on your child's age and needs. Most appliances are worn for one to two hours during the day and overnight. Regular follow-up visits monitor progress and make adjustments. Treatment typically spans 12 to 24 months depending on the system and goals.
For myofunctional appliances in Wilmington, NC, contact Cape Fear Smiles at 910-763-0931.