The Biobloc technique was developed by Dr. John Mew of London, England in the 1950's. Simply stated, the Biobloc technique is effective for children in the 6-10 age range and is based on first placing the upper front teeth ideally in the face and then bringing the lower jaw forward.

Because the downward and backward movement of the front teeth is the first sign of less than ideal facial balance, a simple measurement from the upper front teeth can predict in a young child or show in an older child or adult that the upper front teeth are not in their proper position. (See "Interactive FINDER") The first step in the Biobloc technique is to move the upper front teeth to their ideal position. Very seldom are upper front teeth too far forward in the face! Even though the upper front teeth may appear to stick out (buck teeth) they are almost always down and back from their ideal position. It is the lower jaw which is too far back that gives the illusion that the upper teeth are too far forward. ("Components of Class II Malocclusion in Children 8-10 Years of Age" Angle Orthodontist 1981)

The upper front teeth are positioned ideally by having the child wear a removable upper appliance which widens the upper arch and moves the upper front teeth upward and forward. This appliance is worn full time, except for tooth brushing, for approximately six months. Depending on the situation, this creates from a mild to a very pronounced discrepancy between the upper and lower teeth.

The second appliance, usually referred to as the Biobloc, is also a removable appliance. It attaches to the upper teeth but has flanges which come down to keep the lower jaw forward. The child needs to wear the Biobloc as much as possible, but is given a regular retainer to wear on the upper when playing sports, singing or playing a musical instrument, giving a report in class, or when he or she needs a break from the Biobloc. The Biobloc is taken out to eat and to brush the teeth, but otherwise it is extremely important that either the Biobloc or the retainer be in the mouth at all times. A correction is usually achieved in six to eight months. At this point the child is encouraged to continue to wear the Biobloc around the house and to bed, but to wear the retainer to school.

The goal of Biobloc treatment is not actually to make the teeth perfectly straight. The goal is to produce proper oral posture and improve the facial balance to be as close to the genetic plan for that child as possible. The positions of the teeth can be idealized at a later date after the face has come into better balance and the oral posture improved. No treatment in adolescence, except for surgery, can produce the facial balance we can achieve with Biobloc treatment.