Myobrace in Dubai: habit-correcting appliances for children's mouth breathing and crowding

Key facts

• Pre-formed removable appliances with daily exercises
• Recommended starting age roughly 3 to 15
• Worn about one hour a day plus overnight
• Targets mouth breathing, tongue thrust and thumb sucking
• Results depend on wear; braces may still be needed

What Myobrace is and how it works

Myobrace appliances are soft, pre-formed trays that fit over the teeth. Unlike braces, they are not custom-made to push individual teeth; instead, their shape guides the tongue to rest in the roof of the mouth, encourages the lips to close and supports breathing through the nose. The idea is that when the muscles of the tongue, lips and cheeks work in a healthier pattern, the jaws can develop more fully and the teeth have a better chance to come in straighter. Treatment uses a progression of appliances over time and is paired with myofunctional exercises — simple daily activities for breathing, tongue posture, swallowing and lip seal.

Habits it addresses

Myobrace focuses on the causes that orthodontists often see behind crowding and bite problems in children. Mouth breathing is associated with a narrow upper jaw and low tongue posture. A tongue that thrusts forward during swallowing can push the front teeth apart and contribute to an open bite. Thumb or finger sucking beyond the early years can push the upper front teeth forward and narrow the upper arch. Lips that do not close at rest and a habit of lip sucking can also affect tooth position. By retraining these habits, the appliance aims to reduce the forces that guide teeth out of line, which is why Dr. Pacha starts with a careful habit assessment.

Who it suits: age range and candidacy

The recommended starting age is roughly 3 to 15, with different appliance sizes for younger children, older children and teenagers. It tends to suit children with early signs of crowding, a narrow arch, mouth breathing or tongue habits, especially when the family is motivated to keep up the routine. It is not the right first step for every child. A narrow upper jaw with a crossbite may need a palatal expander; a significantly recessed lower jaw may need a functional appliance; and children with blocked noses from enlarged adenoids or allergies should be assessed by an ENT or paediatric doctor so they can breathe through the nose comfortably. The plan follows the examination.

The daily routine: nightly plus about one hour a day

Each Myobrace appliance is worn for about one hour during the day plus overnight while sleeping, so there is no need to wear it at school. During the daytime hour, children are encouraged to keep their lips together and breathe through the nose, often while reading or watching television. The daily exercises take only a few minutes and are demonstrated at the clinic. Some children find the appliance falls out at night at first; this usually improves with practice and lip-seal exercises. The appliance should be rinsed after use and kept in its case. Progress, wear and technique are reviewed regularly, and the next appliance in the series is introduced when ready.

Results and honest limits

Results depend heavily on consistent wear and exercises; where routines slip, progress slows or stops. Some children see improvements in lip seal, nasal breathing and tooth alignment, but outcomes vary, and Myobrace does not replace braces in every case. Many children still need expansion, a functional appliance or braces later, though the habit work can make later treatment more stable. Dr. Pacha monitors adherence at each review and is open with families if another approach would serve their child better. Contact the clinic if your child develops pain, ulcers from the appliance, or persistent difficulty breathing through the nose while wearing it, so the situation can be assessed.

An orthodontic check around age seven can identify crossbites, narrow jaws, habits and crowding while the jaws are still growing. Some problems are easier to correct at this stage; others are simply monitored.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.