Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy for the treatment of misalignment

Myofunctional therapy uses removable appliances to influence the masticatory muscles and other facial muscles (actively and passively). These play a part in tooth position and jaw growth.

Myofunctional therapy helps to prevent misalignment in the early phase and is also a treatment option when misalignment is already present.

Myofunctional treatment – timing, aims and details

Myofunctional therapy is used early, in the primary dentition, early mixed dentition or mixed dentition.

The aim is to improve bad habits such as tongue thrusting, incorrect swallowing patterns or mouth breathing.

This can prevent later tooth and jaw misalignment.

The younger the patients and the more growth spurts remain, the better the prognosis and the chance of avoiding misalignment early.

Note!

Controlling growth is an essential aim of myofunctional therapy. It also removes early disruptive factors and ensures a harmonious growth process with regulation in the jaw.

Functional orthodontics – myofunctional therapy

Functional orthodontic appliances involve the orofacial muscles in treatment. They normalise muscle activity. In particular, myofunctional therapy aims to correct dysfunctions permanently. The appliances guide forces during growth. This inhibition and stimulation of growth can correct skeletal misalignment.

Details of myofunctional treatment: effects

• Great importance is placed on lip and mouth closure with the appliances used.
• The tongue is given ample functional space.
• Appliances are used during the growth phase.
• Improvement in nasal breathing.
• Also used in the stabilisation/retention phase after treatment for misalignment – at any age.

Myofunctional brace

Myofunctional brace

Wear time and duration of myofunctional therapy

With removable appliances, patient cooperation is especially important. Minimum wear time: 12–14 hours. That means all night plus several hours during the day.

Book a free initial consultation!

The process at our practice

1. Free initial consultation for misalignment at our orthodontic practice. By appointment only!
2. Create treatment records for your individual plan. Diagnosis with X-rays, photos and digital scans. Always without impressions.
3. Planning discussion and explanation. X-ray review and analysis of which type of brace and/or brackets are needed.
4. Start of treatment. Fitting the appliance and advice on cleaning and wear times.
5. Check-up appointments every 6–8 weeks.
6. End of treatment. Removal of the brace and discussion of the result.
7. Retention – the start of stabilising the treatment result.

Full details of the treatment process at our practice