[The tongue and ventilation: a recipe for failure?]

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dental Growth
• Functional Analysis in Dentistry
• Respiratory Physiology

Context:

• The functionalist school has highlighted the importance of ventilation and oral function in relation to dental development.
• The interconnection between ventilation, craniofacial growth, lingual function, and malocclusion is increasingly recognized.
• Current ENT diagnostic practices for ventilation defects are standard, but treatment effectiveness for orthodontic stability remains a concern.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the impact of ventilation defects and their treatments on orthodontic stability.
• To underscore the necessity of a functional environment for successful orthodontic outcomes.
• To analyze potential adverse effects of certain surgical interventions on the initial condition.

Summary:

• While the link between ventilation, oral function, and malocclusion is established, current treatments for ventilation defects do not consistently ensure orthodontic stability.
• Even with prescribed rehabilitation, the functional environment may not be conducive to long-term orthodontic success.
• Highly invasive surgical treatments for ventilation issues can sometimes worsen the initial problem, complicating orthodontic management.

Impact:

• Highlights the need for integrated treatment approaches addressing both ventilation and orthodontic stability.
• Suggests a re-evaluation of current treatment protocols for ventilation defects in orthodontic patients.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering functional rehabilitation alongside surgical or orthodontic interventions to prevent iatrogenic complications.