了解隱適美和MRC是什麼  Do you know the difference between Invisalign and Myobrace?

Invisalign（隱適美）和Myobrace（MRC）都是時下很夯的矯正治療工具，兩者皆可以幫助矯正牙齒，改善咬合，今天讓牙醫大叔來帶你了解一下兩者到底差異在哪裡吧？

隱適美適用的年齡層較廣，從兒童到成年都可以使用，一般兒童隱適美早期矯正可以開始的最小年齡大概在7~8歲，視小朋友生長速度而有所差異。MRC適用年齡層較窄，官網資料建議5~15歲，以兒童到青少年為主。雖然這兩個都是矯正的工具，但是第一次聽到的人還是會不了解這兩種的差別，最常的困惑也是『那我到底要幫我的小朋友選擇哪一種方法？』首先你要先了解『隱適美』是眾多隱形矯正中的一個品牌，就如『MRC』也是眾多肌功能矯正中的一個品牌，其餘類似的還有Preortho、EFline，肌功能矯正各家產品在作用原理上大同小異，但是細節上略有不同。

Invisalign and Myobrace are two popular orthodontic treatment tools that can help correct teeth and improve bites. Today, let me explain the differences between the two.

Invisalign is suitable for a wider age range, from children to adults. Early Invisalign treatment for children usually starts at the age of 7 to 8, depending on the child’s growth rate. Myobrace is suitable for a narrower age range, recommended for children aged 5 to 15, mainly for children and adolescents. Although both are orthodontic tools, people who hear about them for the first time may not understand the difference between the two. The most common confusion is “Which method should I choose for my child?” First, you need to understand that “Invisalign” is one brand among many clear aligners, and “Myobrace” is one brand among many myofunctional orthodontic products. Other similar products include Preortho and EFline. Although the myofunctional orthodontic products have similar principles of action, there are slight differences in details.

 

• 你可能會想知道：要選擇傳統矯正還是隱形矯正？來聊一聊哪些人適合隱形矯正
• 你可能會想知道：矯正竟然還有分？隱形矯正與傳統矯正的差別到底在哪裡？

 

隱適美作用原理 The principle behind Invisalign

隱適美牙套是客製化的矯正裝置，以衣服來比喻的話，有點像訂製的西裝，和牙齒非常服貼。每副牙套按順序會有些微差異，藉由這些差異將牙齒慢慢移動到我們想要的位置。牙醫師會在軟體上規劃每顆牙齒的位置，所以隱適美矯正可以很明確的知道將來牙齒矯正後排列的外觀與位置。

Invisalign is a custom-made orthodontic device that is comparable to a tailored suit for your teeth. Each set of aligners has slight differences that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position. The dentist plans the position of each tooth on the software, so Invisalign can clearly predict the appearance and position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment.

MRC作用原理 The principle behind Invisalign

MRC矯正的正確名稱應該是肌功能矯正，主要針對口腔肌肉去做訓練。MRC和隱適美牙套不同，是幾套不同尺寸去做挑選，有點像成衣，依照牙弓大小去挑選適合的MRC牙套尺寸。作用原理也和隱適美略有不同，MRC周圍有一些『翼』，主要是來阻擋臉頰和舌頭的肌肉來降低對齒列的不好影響，搭配口腔肌肉和舌頭肌肉的練習，利用牙齒周圍肌肉的力量、舌頭的力量加上軟性的牙套來讓牙齒達到一個平衡的狀態。

The correct name for MRC correction should be myofunctional correction, which mainly focuses on training the muscles in the oral cavity. Unlike Invisalign braces, MRC uses several sets of different sizes to choose from, which is a bit like ready-to-wear clothing. The appropriate MRC brace size is selected based on the size of the dental arch. The working principle of MRC is slightly different from Invisalign; MRC has some “wings” around it, primarily to block the muscles of the cheeks and tongue and reduce their negative impact on the dental arch. By practicing exercises for the muscles in the oral and tongue areas and utilizing the power of the muscles surrounding the teeth and tongue, along with the flexibility of the braces, the teeth can achieve a state of balance.

 

我們可以從下列5點來了解隱適美和MRC的差異 We can understand the differences between Invisalign and MRC from the following five points:

 

1.配戴時間 wearing time

• 配戴時間：隱適美所需配戴時間較長，要戴20~22小時，時間越長效果越好。MRC配戴時間為白天至少1個小時，晚上就寢時整晚配戴。
• 配戴舒適度：隱適美配戴舒適度較佳，分為上下兩顎服貼牙齒的牙套，因為服貼所以配戴起來異物感小。MRC為上下顎一體類似拳擊手保護牙齒的裝置，整體體積較大，由於目的是訓練肌肉，對於一些嘴唇肌力較弱的小朋友，一開始配戴會比較辛苦。
• 美觀：隱適美近乎隱形，配戴時不易被發現。MRC外觀明顯，在學校配戴時容易引起注意。

 

• Wearing time: The Invisalign treatment requires a longer wearing time of 20 to 22 hours per day, with longer wearing time resulting in better outcomes. The Myobrace System (MRC) requires a minimum of 1 hour per day during daytime and all night while sleeping.
• Comfort: Invisalign aligners provide better comfort as they are made of two custom-fitted aligners that fit snugly on the upper and lower jaws, causing less discomfort during wear. MRC is a device that covers both jaws and resembles a boxing mouthguard, making it bulkier. Since the primary aim is to train the muscles, some children with weaker lip muscles may find it more challenging to wear initially.
• Aesthetics: Invisalign is almost invisible, making it less noticeable when worn. MRC is more visible, and wearing it in school may attract attention.

 

2.原理 Principle

• 隱適美兒童早期矯正：在軟體上規劃好牙齒位置，由透明牙套依照規劃順序推著牙齒前往設計好的位置。
• MRC兒童早期矯正：藉由訓練舌頭、口腔肌肉、軟式的牙套讓口腔肌肉達到平衡，進而影響牙齒，讓牙齒排列整齊。牙齒的周圍圍繞著臉頰及舌頭，所以可以把現在牙齒位置視為臉頰肌肉力量與舌頭力量相互推擠達到平衡的一個結果。造成現在牙齒位置不良的原因可能是因為口呼吸造成的舌頭肌力微弱或是舌頭位置不對喜歡前頂牙齒，MRC的目的就是對牙齒周圍的肌肉重新進行訓練，藉由牙齒兩側肌肉達到平衡來讓牙齒移動到合適的位置，所以這就是為什麼在MRC裡面，口腔肌肉訓練和鼻呼吸訓練是很重要的一環。

• Invisalign for children’s early orthodontic correction: Tooth positions are pre-planned on software, and transparent aligners gradually move the teeth to their predetermined position.
• MRC for children’s early orthodontic correction: Tongue, oral muscles, and soft aligners are trained to achieve muscle balance, which, in turn, affects tooth alignment, resulting in properly aligned teeth. The muscles around the teeth are associated with the cheeks and tongue, so the current position of teeth can be viewed as a result of the balance between cheek muscle and tongue strength. The reason for poor teeth positioning may be weak tongue muscles caused by mouth breathing or incorrect tongue placement, and MRC aims to retrain the muscles around the teeth to achieve balance and move the teeth to the right position. Therefore, oral muscle and nasal breathing training are vital aspects of MRC treatment.

 

3.牙齒位置 Teeth positioning

• 隱適美兒童早期矯正由於是在軟體上設定牙齒將來的位置，所以無論牙齒的角度、方向、上下位置都可以很準確地控制。
• MRC兒童早期矯正是口腔內肌肉力量平衡的結果，一般來說治療完後牙齒可以達到整齊的效果，但在更精細的排列上，例如：個別牙齒的角度、上下位置，可能會有稍許偏差，無法做到如隱適美那般精準。

• Invisalign children’s early orthodontic correction can accurately control the angle, direction, and vertical position of teeth as they are pre-set on software.
• MRC children’s early orthodontic correction is the result of muscle balance inside the mouth. Although it can generally achieve well-aligned teeth after treatment, there may be slight discrepancies in more detailed tooth alignment, such as individual tooth angles and vertical positions, making it less precise than Invisalign.

 

4.注意事項 Precautions

由於兩者都是活動式的矯正工具，不若傳統金屬矯正器是黏在牙齒上的，所以兩者都要很注意配戴時間。MRC的另一個重點是口腔肌肉訓練，單純只配戴MRC效果較差，平日一定要努力的做口腔肌肉練習。

Both Invisalign and MRC are removable orthodontic appliances, unlike traditional metal braces, which are attached to teeth. Thus, both require careful attention to wearing time.Another crucial aspect of MRC treatment is oral muscle training, and merely wearing the MRC device alone is less effective. Consistent oral muscle exercises are essential for optimal results.

 

5.適用年齡 Age suitable

• 隱適美兒童早期矯正的最低年齡是在上下正中門牙、側門牙及第一大臼齒皆萌發出來後，一般年齡在7~8歲，視小朋友生長速度而有所不同，但實際情況是否需要早期矯正介入還是要諮詢醫師後才會比較準確。
• MRC兒童早期矯正在官方的適應年齡是5~15歲，一樣實際情況是否需要早期矯正介入還是要諮詢醫師後才會比較準確。

 

• Invisalign early orthodontic treatment is suitable for children with upper and lower central incisors and first molars that have fully erupted.
• MRC early orthodontic treatment is suitable for children aged 3 to 15 years old, who still have baby teeth or have a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth.

 

MRC治療療程 MRC treatment course

 

影片中的幾個重點，MRC希望改善小朋友的「口呼吸習慣」「嘴巴無法閉合」「舌頭位置不對」等幾個不良的口腔習慣。不對的舌頭位置和不容易閉合的嘴巴有時候是因為口呼吸而造成，MRC治療時會強調舌頭的置放位置，希望小朋友將舌頭擺放在正確的位置「頂在上顎」，還有練習正確的吞嚥動作。你需要在晚上睡覺時整晚需配戴MRC。白日則是在學校時、在家寫功課時或是看電視或打電動時選擇一個時段配戴一個小時的MRC裝置。

MRC治療通常分為幾個階段：1.矯正壞習慣，養成好習慣。2.擴張上顎牙弓。3.排齊牙齒。4.維持矯正成果。

Several key points in the video emphasize that MRC aims to improve several negative oral habits in children, such as “mouth breathing habits,” “inability to close the mouth,” and “incorrect tongue placement.” Incorrect tongue placement and difficulty in mouth closure are sometimes caused by mouth breathing, so MRC treatment emphasizes proper tongue placement, encouraging children to place their tongue in the correct position “on the roof of the mouth,” and practice proper swallowing movements. The MRC device needs to be worn throughout the night while sleeping. During the day, it is recommended to wear the MRC device for one hour during school, homework, watching TV, or playing video games.

MRC treatment typically consists of several stages:

Stage1. Habits correction,  Stage2. Arch development,  Stage3. Dental alignment,  Stage4. Retension

 

1.矯正壞習慣，養成好習慣 Stage1. Habits correction

為第一階段療程。有幾個動作希望小朋友要在這個階段練習：1. 練習從口呼吸轉成鼻子呼吸。2.訓練舌頭放在正確的位置上。3.練習正確的吞嚥動作。4.沒有在吃飯或講話時，閉緊嘴唇。希望藉由這些動作來促進上下顎的生長，減少將來長大後二次矯正的機率。

這階段會給予第一階段的MRC牙套，晚上睡覺可配戴全程而MRC不會掉出時即可進入下一階段。

This is the first stage of the treatment. There are several actions that we want children to practice during this stage: 1. Practice switching from mouth breathing to nasal breathing. 2. Train the tongue to be in the correct position. 3. Practice the correct swallowing movement. 4. Keep lips closed when not eating or speaking. By doing these actions, we hope to promote the growth of the upper and lower jaw, reducing the likelihood of requiring orthodontic treatment in the future.

During this stage, we will provide the first stage MRC appliance, which can be worn throughout the night and must not fall out before moving on to the next st

 

2.擴張上顎牙弓 Stage2. Arch development

為第二階段，是否需要視小朋友狀況而定。這階段會使用BWS上顎擴張裝置，搭配MRC牙套一起使用。目的是讓上顎擴張獲得更多的空間來讓牙齒排列整齊，通時也能促進中臉部的發育。

This is the second stage, which may vary depending on the child’s condition. In this stage, a BWS maxillary expansion device is used in conjunction with the MRC orthodontic appliance. The goal is to create more space in the upper jaw for the teeth to align properly, while also promoting development of the midface.

 

3.排齊牙齒 Stage3. Dental alignment

這時會給予第二副的MRC牙套，材質會比第一副再稍微堅硬一點，讓牙齒可以順著MRC牙套的牙弓外型進行排列。第二副牙套日常配戴時間和第一副一樣，會持續配戴到牙齒排列整齊為止。

At this stage, a second set of MRC braces will be provided. The material will be slightly harder than the first set, allowing the teeth to align along the MRC brace arch shape. The daily wearing time for the second set of braces will be the same as the first set, and will continue to be worn until the teeth are properly aligned.

 

4.維持期：維持矯正成果 Stage4. Retension

第三副MRC牙套目的是為了維持矯正的成果，小朋友會建議一直配戴直到生長完畢，約12~14歲視生長速度有所不同。在這階段由於小朋友持續長大，有可能MRC維持器戴著戴著就會磨到牙齦，這時候就需要再替換成一般的傳統維持器或是更大尺寸的MRC維持器。

The purpose of the third set of MRC appliances is to maintain the orthodontic correction achieved in the previous stages. Children are advised to continue wearing the appliance until they have finished growing, which can vary depending on growth rate, typically around 12-14 years old. During this stage, as children continue to grow, it is possible for the MRC retainer to rub against the gums, and at that point, it may need to be replaced with a conventional retainer or a larger MRC retainer.

 

MRC費用與隱適美費用比較 Comparison of MRC and Invisalign Costs

MRC治療中最常被問到的就是MRC費用問題了，到底MRC兒童早期矯正與隱適美兒童早期矯正在費用方面誰高誰低呢？

答案是視狀況而定，隱適美兒童早期矯正費用通常是包套，在治療期間如果有牙齒跟不上牙套進度，或是更改治療計畫，對牙醫師來說沒有額外的技師成本，所以對患者而言比較少額外的衍生費用。MRC兒童早期矯正則不然，是以單副MRC來計算，對於牙醫師來說小朋友無論牙套遺失或是牙套磨損破裂，只要更換一副新的牙套就會有額外的成本在，所以對患者而言治療期間可能會有額外的衍生費用。

MRC兒童早期矯正如果順利，MRC費用一般會比隱適美兒童矯正費用略低，但是有幾個狀況會有額外的MRC費用產生：

1. MRC牙套遺失。
2. 小朋友會磨牙或粗魯配戴，造成MRC牙套破損要更換新的MRC牙套。
3. 需要額外的上顎擴弓裝置。
4. 隨著年齡長大，牙弓跟著變大，第一副MRC維持器戴不下，需重新給予較大尺寸的MRC維持器。

如果有以上幾個狀況發生，牙醫師都必須重新收取新牙套的費用，多疊加幾次後MRC費用並不一定會比隱適美兒童早期矯正便宜。

 

總結 Summery

阿說了這麼多，我還是不知道我小孩適合哪一種啊？別急，你可以先從以下幾點來做決定。

1.先評估是否真的需要兒童早期矯正？Evaluate if early childhood correction is really necessary.

在大叔的觀點兒童早期矯正的好處是可以降低將來正顎手術或是拔牙矯正的機率。除這些情況外，建議等到都換牙完畢再矯正評估即可，這也是為什麼有的家長問醫師得到矯正的時間點是12歲有的是6歲的原因。

From the perspective of the dentist, the benefit of early childhood correction is that it can reduce the probability of future corrective jaw surgery or tooth extraction. Unless these situations exist, it is recommended to wait until all the teeth have fully grown before evaluating correction, which is why some parents receive a correction time of 12 years old while others receive 6 years old.

 

2.小朋友本身的動機強不強？How strong is the child’s motivation?

MRC兒童早期矯正比起隱適美兒童早期矯正，需要小朋友本身更高的動機與配合度，畢竟每天都要做口腔運動，在配戴上並不如隱適美那麼舒適。如果小朋友想改變牙齒的動機不強或是自律性不高，隱適美早期兒童矯正會比MRC兒童早期矯正更讓小朋友容易適應一些。

MRC early childhood correction requires a higher level of motivation and cooperation from the child compared to invisible orthodontics. After all, daily oral exercise is required, and the device is not as comfortable as invisible orthodontics. If the child’s motivation for changing their teeth is weak or their self-discipline is low, invisible orthodontics may be easier for the child to adapt to.

 

3.家長對整齊度的要求高不高？Are the parents demanding of precision?

前面有提到MRC是讓牙齒自動排列，所以在排列上無法做到如隱適美般的精確，如果家長認爲個別牙齒的稍微不整齊並不影響只是希望改善小朋友的咬合狀況及呼吸習慣，那麼MRC就會很適合。

As mentioned earlier, MRC allows teeth to be aligned automatically, so it cannot achieve the same precision as invisible orthodontics. If parents think that slightly uneven teeth will not affect their child and only want to improve their child’s bite and breathing habits, then MRC may be suitable.

 

4.費用的考量 Cost considerations

一般來說MRC的費用還是比隱適美低一點點，但是有時候也是有例外。

Generally speaking, MRC is slightly less expensive than invisible orthodontics, but there are exceptions.

 

5.時間上的考量 Time considerations

一般來說MRC的矯正時間會比隱適美略長一點，不過通常也要視情況而定。

Generally, the correction time for MRC is slightly longer than that of invisible orthodontics, but it depends on the situation.

 

希望以上這五點有幫助到大家在決定開始兒童早期矯正治療前要選用哪一套系統。

We hope that these five points will help you decide which system to use for early childhood correction treatment.