Dysventilation, orthodontics, and orofacial myofunctional therapy

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Speech Therapy
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Dysventilation is a chronic disorder characterized by mouth or mouth-nose breathing at rest.
• It can lead to significant disruptions in facial development (morphogenesis) and neurocognitive issues.
• It creates a dysmorpho-functional spiral impacting overall health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multidisciplinary management of dysventilation.
• To determine how orthodontics and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) aid in harmonious growth in children and orofacial balance in adults.
• To present a novel approach using a specific myofunctional rehabilitation appliance.

Main Methods:

• A synthesis of existing data on the consequences of dysventilation.
• Review of recommendations for managing dysventilation and obstructive sleep apnea.
• Presentation of a clinical case using the MyoSimple® appliance for dysventilation management.

Main Results:

• Published data suggest OMT combined with a prefabricated functional appliance (PFA) is superior to OMT alone for dysventilation.
• A new, effective, simpler, and less time-consuming OMT approach using a PFA is proposed.
• The MyoSimple® appliance, with its tongue ramp, promotes nasal breathing and airway clearance.

Conclusions:

• Dysventilation necessitates a management approach that includes OMT assisted by a PFA.
• This therapeutic strategy promotes orofacial functional balance in managing dysventilation and obstructive sleep apnea.
• It contributes to the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment outcomes.