Dysventilation, orthodontics, and orofacial myofunctional therapy

Dysventilation is a chronic alteration of physiological ventilation patterns, characterized by a predominance of mouth or mouth-nose breathing at rest. It should not be considered a simple symptom, but rather a functional disorder in its own right, capable of disrupting facial morphogenesis and promoting neurocognitive disorders.

Dysventilation is the cause of a dysmorpho-functional spiral. The aim of this article is to determine how its multidisciplinary management, particularly through orthodontics and orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), can help put children back on the path to harmonious growth and offer adults better oro-cranio-facial balance.

A synthesis of published data on the morphological and functional consequences of dysventilation was performed. The conclusions of the data and recommendations concerning the organization and means of managing dysventilation and obstructive sleep apnea were reported. A clinical case is presented to illustrate the clinical management of dysventilation using the MyoSimple®, a new, patented myofunctional rehabilitation appliance featuring a specific tongue ramp.

The published data, even though of uneven methodological quality, seem to show the superiority of OMT combined with the use of a prefabricated functional appliance (PFA) compared to the implementation of OMT without PFA, particularly in the context of dysventilation management. A new approach to OMT, active and passive with PFA, which is more effective, simpler, and less time-consuming, is proposed. The MyoSimple®, a new patented prefabricated functional appliance, features a specific tongue ramp. Wearing it helps to promote tongue thrust, combined with clearing of the upper airways and promotes nasal breathing. A clinical case is presented to illustrate the clinical management of dysventilation.

Dysventilation is the cause of a dysmorpho-functional spiral. Its management must always include a phase of OMT assisted by a PFA. This simple therapeutic approach helps to achieve better orofacial functional balance in the management of dysventilation and obstructive sleep apnea and contributes to the stability of the results of orthodontic treatments.