Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances
Early Intervention, Lasting Benefits: Supporting Growth and Function Beyond Braces
Orthodontics has always been associated with braces and aligners, but beyond these common treatments lies an entire category of appliances designed not just to straighten teeth—but to guide jaw development, improve muscle function, and create a healthier foundation for lifelong oral wellness. These tools are called Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic and myofunctional appliances that serve as preventive, interceptive, or supportive treatments—especially for growing children and teens, but also for adults with complex needs. These appliances are part of our commitment to treating not just smiles, but entire systems: muscles, bones, airways, and habits that influence oral health.
What Are Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances?
Orthodontic appliances refer to fixed or removable devices used to correct dental and skeletal irregularities. Myofunctional appliances, on the other hand, go a step further—they aim to retrain oral muscles and guide the proper function of breathing, swallowing, tongue posture, and facial development.
These appliances can:
• Improve tongue posture and airway health
• Prevent future orthodontic problems
• Assist in habit correction (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting)
• Support orthodontic treatment for better long-term results
Why Are These Appliances Important?
Crooked teeth are often the symptom—not the cause. Improper oral habits, poor jaw growth, and muscle dysfunction can all lead to crowding, misalignment, and bite issues. By using orthodontic and myofunctional appliances early, dentists can address root causes, reduce the need for complex treatments later, and even improve breathing and sleep quality.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we believe in proactive, functional dentistry. That’s why we offer these appliances not only to correct but also to prevent and support.
Types of Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances We Offer
Types of Orthodontic Appliances:
Removable appliances designed to retrain facial and oral muscles. Commonly used in children to encourage nose breathing, tongue positioning, and lip closure.
Indications: Mouth breathing, tongue thrust, crowded teeth due to poor posture, incorrect swallowing patterns.
Benefits: Encourages natural jaw development, may prevent braces, improves breathing and symmetry.
Appliances that use jaw muscles to guide growth, effective during the peak growth period. Best for Class II malocclusions.
Indications: Retruded lower jaw, Class II bite, deep bite correction.
Benefits: Non-surgical correction, proper jaw growth, improved profile and airway.
Fixed devices that widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites, crowding, and breathing issues. Works best in children (ages 6–12).
Indications: Narrow jaw, crossbite, airway obstruction, dental crowding.
Benefits: Creates space, improves breathing, enhances symmetry.
Appliances that help stop harmful oral habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting.
Indications: Thumb sucking, nail biting, lip sucking.
Benefits: Stops damaging habits, prevents orthodontic issues, restores oral function.
Used when a baby tooth is lost early to keep space for the permanent tooth.
Indications: Early loss of primary teeth.
Benefits: Prevents shifting, reduces future orthodontic work.
External appliance used to correct jaw discrepancies, especially severe overbites.
Indications: Severe overbite, protruding upper teeth.
Benefits: Controls jaw growth, aligns teeth, reduces extractions.
Used during or after braces to fine-tune the bite and improve upper–lower alignment.
Indications: Bite adjustment, midline correction, orthodontic finishing.
Benefits: Refines bite, improves function and symmetry.
When Are These Appliances Used?
Orthodontic and myofunctional appliances are most effective during growth spurts, usually between ages 6 and 12. However, adults can also benefit—especially those with jaw pain, facial asymmetry, or sleep-disordered breathing.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, our team conducts a thorough diagnostic workup using clinical exams, bite analysis, digital scans, and sometimes CBCT imaging. This allows us to determine the right appliance, the optimal timing, and whether additional orthodontic treatments are needed.
What to Expect During Treatment
We assess the patient’s oral development, facial profile, bite relationship, and oral habits (mouth breathing, thumb sucking, etc.). A personalized treatment plan is created based on age, concerns, and goals.
Depending on the case, impressions or digital scans are taken, and appliances are custom-fabricated. Some are ready-made (like Myobrace), while others are crafted in our in-house dental lab.
Patients and parents are guided on how to use and clean appliances. Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Appliances can be used before braces (interceptive), during orthodontic treatment (supportive), or after braces to maintain long-term results and habit correction.
Our Philosophy at Affinity Dental Clinics
Our Preventive & Interceptive Approach:
Whether your child needs guidance in jaw development or you’re an adult seeking functional correction, you can trust our team to provide honest, thoughtful, and science-backed treatment plans.
Our Clinics and Orthodontic Expertise
With branches across the Philippines—Makati, BGC, Ortigas, Alabang, Parañaque, and Cebu—Affinity Dental Clinics is one of the most trusted names in orthodontics and advanced dental care. We offer:
With specialized training in interceptive and functional orthodontics.
Child-friendly, fully equipped, and designed for patient comfort.
Built on excellence, ethical care, and long-term patient trust.
Common Myths About Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances
Common Myths vs Facts About Orthodontic Appliances:
FAQs About Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances
At what age should my child be evaluated for these appliances?
We recommend an orthodontic evaluation as early as age 6 to spot developmental issues early.
Are myofunctional appliances comfortable to wear?
Yes. Most are removable and designed for comfort. There may be a short adjustment period, but they are generally well-tolerated.
How long will my child need to wear the appliance?
It varies. Some treatments last a few months; others require years, especially when used alongside braces.
Can adults use myofunctional appliances?
Yes. Many adults benefit from habit correction, TMJ relief, and airway improvement using these appliances.
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans may cover functional or interceptive orthodontics. We recommend checking with your provider.
Can these appliances prevent the need for braces?
In some cases, yes. Early treatment with functional appliances can guide jaw development and reduce the severity of future orthodontic issues.
Take the First Step Toward Functional, Healthy Smiles
Whether you’re a parent looking to give your child a head start in facial development or an adult exploring options for bite correction and oral function, Orthodontic and Myofunctional Appliances offer a powerful solution.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we’re not just focused on straight teeth—we’re committed to improving how you breathe, bite, smile, and thrive.
Book your consultation today and explore how our comprehensive orthodontic care can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
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