Tratamento de mordida aberta anterior com terapia miofuncional ­ relato de caso / Myofunctional therapy as treatment for anterior open-bite ­ case report

A mordida aberta anterior pode ser definida como uma discrepância no sentido vertical, na qual há ausência de contato entre os incisivos enquanto em relação cêntrica. É considerada uma má oclusão multietiológica e, dependendo da fase em que é diagnosticada e tratada, apresenta prognóstico desfavorável, culminando em resultados menos estáveis. É uma má oclusão frequente na população infantil e, atualmente, há inúmeras opções de tratamento, dentre eles o Myobrace®, aparelho miofuncional. O objetivo deste artigo consiste em abordar alguns aspectos técnicos sobre esse dispositivo, seguindo-se da apresentação de um caso clínico que descreve o tratamento de uma paciente do sexo feminino, em fase de crescimento, apresentando mordida aberta anterior, cujo tratamento foi realizado exclusivamente com terapia miofuncional (Myobrace® K1, K2 large, I2 e K2 large), por um período de aproximadamente 6 anos. Após este período, pode-se observar a correção da mordida aberta anterior e funções como deglutição e fonação normalizadas e estáveis (AU)

Anterior open-bite is defined as a vertical discrepancy, in which the upper and lower incisors lack contact while in centric relation. It is considered to be a multi-etiological malocclusion with unfavorable prognosis culminating in poorly stable results, depending on how late diagnosis and treatment take place. It is a frequent malocclusion among growing patients, to which there are countless treatment options, being the Myobrace® myofunctional appliances one of them. The article covers a few technical aspects of said appliances, followed by a case report on the anterior open-bite treatment of a growing female, using myofunctional therapy exclusively (Myobrace® K1, K2 large, I2 and K2 large), for approximately 6 years. As result, anterior open-bite correction may be observed as well as normal and stable speech and swallowing functions (AU)

Early treatment with the ALF functional appliance.

The aim of this study is to report five cases of children treated with an interceptive technique utilizing ALF (Advanced Light Force) functional orthodontic appliances in anterior and/or posterior cross bites in primary and early mixed dentition.

Treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion with myofunctional trainer system in early mixed dentition period.

Dentofacial growth interferences, caused by abnormal lip and tongue function in the mixed dentition period are a common clinical condition. The main purpose of the treatment in such cases is to eliminate oral dysfunction, establish muscular balance and correct or diminish maxillary incisor protrusion. The position of the teeth is determined by the lip and tongue pressure. Lip function may have been the cause of forcing teeth in to malposition they occupy. The case report is presented where the myofunctional trainer T4K is used during growth phase.

Quality of life and economic burdens of malocclusion in U.S. patients enrolled in Medicaid.

BACKGROUND: Patients enrolled in Medicaid have limited access to orthodontic services in the United States. No studies are available, to the authors' knowledge, regarding the clinical and psychosocial burdens of malocclusion on these patients from an economic perspective. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review of the relevant economic literature. They identified issues from the perspectives of the various stakeholders (dentists, patients and parents, Medicaid programs) and developed a conceptual model for studying decision making focused on the strategy of providing early interceptive and preventive treatment rather than, or in addition to, comprehensive care in the patient's permanent dentition. RESULTS: Medicaid coverage and reimbursement amounts vary nationwide, and decision making associated with obtaining care can be complex. The perspectives of all relevant stakeholders deserve assessment. A conceptual framework of the cost-effectiveness of interceptive orthodontic treatment compared with comprehensive treatment illustrates the issues to be considered when evaluating these strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers and the dental community should identify creative solutions to addressing low-income families' limited access to orthodontic services and compare them from various perspectives with regard to their relative cost-effectiveness. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists should be aware of the multiple problems faced by low-income families in obtaining orthodontic services and the impact of stakeholder issues on access to care; they also should be proactive in helping low-income patients obtain needed orthodontic services.

[Dentofacial Orthopedics to treat facial asymmetries before six years of age. How to balance craniofacial growth and enhance temporomandibular function]. / Traiter orthopédiquement les asymétries avant six ans ou comment symétriser la croissance cranio-faciale et optimiser le fonctionnement temporo-mandibulaire.

Minor facial asymmetries that can be detected in newborn infants indicate that facial growth for this child will also be asymmetric. When practitioners observe a displacement of the mandible in temporary dentition it probably indicates the presence of asymmetric masticatory function and they should look for an inter-temporal axial asymmetry by tracing cutaneous landmarks in the vicinity of the external ears. If they find the possible presence of asymmetric remodeling of glenoid fossas, they have to anticipate future temporo-mandibular disorders. By using a measurement grid (Orthogrille type) placed on the teeth of the upper plaster cast, they can assess sagittal and transverse status of the temporary teeth. If indicated, they can use acrylic plates fitted with sectional distalizing or expansion screws designed for full or partial arch correction. They can also modify the upper occlusal plane inclination by using acrylic bite blocks that keep all of the teeth from occluding and thus allow the displaced mandible to return to symmetrical movements during mastication and at the same time allow the temporal bones to remodel symmetrically. Finally, they can re-center the two dental arches and their midlines with a Frankel re-centering device that will also restore harmony to respiratory and vocalization functions. Thanks to this type of orthopedic treatment carried out for patients before they reach the age of six the asymmetric direction of their facial growth will become normal and the functioning of their temporo-mandibular joints will become optimal.

Non-invasive 3D facial analysis and surface electromyography during functional pre-orthodontic therapy: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. RESULTS: The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles.

Non-invasive 3D facial analysis and surface electromyography during functional pre-orthodontic therapy: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVES: Functional orthodontic devices can modify oral function thus permitting more adequate growth processes. The assessment of their effects should include both facial morphology and muscle function. This preliminary study investigated whether a preformed functional orthodontic device could induce variations in facial morphology and function along with correction of oral dysfunction in a group of orthodontic patients in the mixed and early permanent dentitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The three-dimensional coordinates of 50 facial landmarks (forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, mouth, jaw and ears) were collected in 10 orthodontic male patients aged 8-13 years, and in 89 healthy reference boys of the same age. Soft tissue facial angles, distances, and ratios were computed. Surface electromyography of the masseter and temporalis muscles was performed, and standardized symmetry, muscular torque and activity were calculated. Soft-tissue facial modifications were analyzed non-invasively before and after a 6-month treatment with a functional device. Comparisons were made with z-scores and paired Student's t-tests. RESULTS: The 6-month treatment stimulated mandibular growth in the anterior and inferior directions, with significant variations in three-dimensional facial divergence and facial convexity. The modifications were larger in the patients than in reference children. In several occasions, the discrepancies relative to the norm became not significant after treatment. No significant variations in standardized muscular activity were found. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results showed that the continuous and correct use of the functional device induced measurable intraoral (dental arches) and extraoral (face) morphological modifications. The device did not modify the functional equilibrium of the masticatory muscles.

Non surgical treatment of a Class II malocclusion with skeletal hyperdivergency and anterior open bite.

The malocclusions with hyperdivergent vertical growth patterns are more difficult to treat without a combined approach, including orthodontics and orthodontic surgery. The goal of this article is to describe a nonsurgical approach of a Class II malocclusion on an adult patient presenting a skeletal hyperdivergency. Fundamental criteria must be respected including proper diagnosis, proper treatment timing to maximize growth potential, patient cooperation, etc. These factors are critical in the favorable treatment outcome of any jaw discrepancy.

Presurgical cleft lip management: nasal alveolar molding.

Continued advancement in the comprehensive care of children with cleft lip and palate has resulted in numerous innovative treatment protocols. The cooperation of numerous specialties has continued to expand the options for difficult cases. A high standard for aesthetic and functional results has been established. Presurgical treatment of a cleft alveolus and its associated soft tissues with presurgical orthopedics is just one of these techniques. Differing opinions of the effectiveness, growth disturbances, and additional costs of presurgical molding are often debated, but the concepts should be understood by any cleft surgeon or orthodontist involved in cleft care.

Children with Down syndrome: oral development and morphology after use of palatal plates between 6 and 48 months of age.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the number of erupted teeth, sucking habits, tongue morphology, facial expression and speech in children with Down syndrome (DS) aged 48 +/- 6 months and treated from 6 months of age with palatal plates in combination with speech and language therapy. METHODS: The research took the form of a multicentre, multidisciplinary, longitudinal study of children with DS followed from the age of 6 months. A total of 37 children with DS were included. One child could not cooperate at all and was excluded from the evaluations. In combination with speech and language intervention provided by speech and language therapists, the children used palatal plates provided by dentists from 6 months of age. In the evaluation, the children in the sample (n = 36) were compared with two similarly aged control groups: one group of children with DS who never had used palatal plates (n = 31) and one group of children with normal development (n = 36). The evaluation of oral parameters was performed by dentists after calibration. Registration of facial expression and speech was done by a speech and language therapist, and the evaluation was done by two speech and language therapists and one phonetician who were calibrated in joint discussions. RESULTS: In contrast to the children with DS in the control group, the subjects in the study were found to have as many erupted teeth as the children with normal development. The prevalence of sucking habits did not differ between the three groups. Only children with DS sucked their tongue, a toy or other things in addition to a thumb or dummy. The prevalence of tongue diastase in the study group with DS was of the same magnitude as in the evaluation at the age of 18 +/- 3 months. The palatal plates were used by 57-65% of the children without any larger problems. In the study sample, the possible beneficial effects of palatal plate therapy were a lower prevalence of posterior cross-bite, a higher prevalence of frontal cusp-to-cusp relation and a lower prevalence of frontal open bite. Evaluation of facial expression and speech showed a higher score for facial expression and a better communicative capacity in the children in the study group than in the control children with DS. CONCLUSIONS: In children with DS, palatal plate therapy between 6 and 48 months of age in connection with speech and language intervention had a positive effect on occlusion, oral motor function, facial expression and speech. No harmful effects were observed. Although this is a valuable method, however, it must be emphasized that palatal plate therapy puts additional demands on already burdened children and their caretakers.

Planas direct tracks in young patients with Class II malocclusion.

In Brazil, Class II malocclusions affect approximately one-third of children in the primary dentition period, and approximately two-thirds of the adolescent population. According to many authors, this type of malocclusion worsens with time, due to facial growth during childhood, both in terms of quantity and quality, and the facial pattern is established at an early age. The application of the Planas Direct Tracks concept and technique may represent an interesting tool for the correction and prevention of Class II malocclusion in an early treatment approach, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, applying oral functions and muscle activity to correct the malocclusion.

Orthodontic treatment need from eight to 12 years of age in an early treatment oriented public health care system: a prospective study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an early treatment oriented orthodontic program on treatment need at age 12 years in a public health care system. The subjects consisted of one whole age cohort in a municipality in Finland, 87 children in total. All children were examined at ages eight, 10, and 12 years. Treatment need was assessed on casts using a modified Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need and a 10-Grade Scale based on the Treatment Priority Index. Early treatment was started on children having definite treatment need according to both indices. The agreement between indices was good at ages eight and 12 years and moderate at age 10 years. Treatment need changed significantly from eight to 12 years. Of the 29 children with definite treatment need at age eight years, only two had treatment need at age 12 years. Of the 38 children with no treatment need at age eight years, 28 remained in this category and only two children had definite need for treatment at age 12 years. The duration of treatment ranged from one to 61 months, although 59% of the treatments lasted two years or less. We conclude that systematically planned early orthodontic treatment may have contributed to the significant reduction in treatment need from eight to 12 years of age.

Avaliação cefalométrica de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento com posicionadores tipo Trainer - T4k / Cephalomeric assessment of of patients after treatment with Trainer positioners - T4k

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos posicionadores tipo Trainer - T4K sobre três grandezas cefalométricas. Trinta e quatro crianças, com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, foram selecionadas para a utilização ao longo de doze meses, e delas obtiveram-se duas telerradiografias, uma ao início e outra ao final do tratamento. Sobre elas foram confeccionados cefalogramas e compararam-se as grandezas Condíleo-A; Condíleo-Gnatio e Espinha Nasal Anterior-Mentoniano. Entre o grupo testado e o controle advindo da literarura, pôde-se observar o aumento estatisticamente validado das grandezas Co-Gn, (grupo masculino com p valor = 0,0000 e feminino = 0,003); Co-A (masculino com p = 0,0009 e feminino p = 0,314) e ENA-Me (masculino p = 0,0000 e feminino p = 0,0000). Conclui-se que o uso do aparelho não tem efeito na restrição do crescimento da maxila, mas parece provocar o aumento efetivo do crescimento da mandíbula e da dimensão vertical. É necessário o aprofundamento dos estudos para uma melhor indicação desta terapêutica.

A retrospective and prospective view of orofacial myology.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders include specific conditions or behaviors that can have a negative impact on oral postures and functions. Historically, interest has focused on behaviors in the horizontal plane, highlighted by tongue thrusting. Currently, the scope of practice also includes tongue forward posturing, lip incompetence, open mouth rest posture, thumb and finger sucking, bruxism, and biting habits involving lips, fingers, tongue and cheeks. The common denominator for myofunctional conditions is a change in the inter-dental arch vertical rest posture dimension, the dental freeway space. The purposes of myofunctional therapy include normalizing the freeway space dimension by eliminating noxious habits or postures related to freeway space change. Improving cosmesis with a lips-together rest posture is also an important treatment goal. The clinical significance of the freeway space is explained in terms of the dental consequences of differential eruption patterns that can develop from postural modification of the freeway space. When the freeway space is opened for extended periods beyond the normal range, the tongue can act as a functional appliance and contribute to the development of anterior open bite or a Class II malocclusion. A clinical procedure is proposed for evaluating the freeway space dimension and incorporating the information into treatment planning and evaluation of treatment success. While dentistry/orthodontics has a primary focus on dental occlusion, or teeth-together relationships, orofacial myologists focus on teeth-apart behaviors and postures that can lead to, or have already resulted in malocclusion.

The effects of early preorthodontic trainer treatment on Class II, division 1 patients.

The aim of this study was to clarify the dentoskeletal treatment effects induced by a preorthodontic trainer appliance treatment on Class II, division 1 cases. Twenty patients (10 girls and 10 boys, mean age 9.6 +/- 1.3 years) with a Class II, division 1 malocclusion were treated with preorthodontic trainer appliances (Myofunctional Research Co., Queensland, Australia). The patients were instructed to use the trainer every day for one hour and overnight while they slept. A control group of 20 patients (mean age 10.2 +/- 0.8 years) with untreated Class II, division 1 malocclusions was used to eliminate possible growth effects. Lateral cephalograms were taken at the start and end of treatment. Final cephalograms were taken 13.1 +/- 1.8 months after trainer application, compared with a mean of 11.2 +/- 2.4 months later for the control group. The mean and standard deviations for cephalometric measurements were analyzed by paired-samples t-test and independent-samples t-tests. At the end of the study period, the trainer group subjects showed significant changes including anterior rotation and sagittal growth of the mandible, increased SNB and facial height, reduced ANB, increased lower incisor proclination, retroclination of upper incisors, and overjet reduction. However, only total facial height increase, lower incisor proclination, and overjet reduction were significantly higher when compared with the changes observed in the control group. This study demonstrates that the preorthodontic trainer application induces basically dentoalveolar changes that result in significant reduction of overjet and can be used with appropriate patient selection.

Assessment of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites in patients at the deciduous dentition phase.

The aim of this study was to clinically assess the results of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites by means of selective grinding in individuals at the deciduous dentition phase over a period of 12 months. From a total of 1,011 children examined in the 2-to-6-year age bracket, 26 with functional posterior cross-bites were selected. The sample was divided into 2 groups of 13 children each, group 1 receiving the treatment proposed and group 2 serving as the control group. Treatment was followed up by exercises designed to alter the children's muscular memory. The results showed that correction of functional posterior cross-bite was achieved for all the children treated, the correction remaining stable 12 months later. No self-correction of malocclusion occurred among the control group.

Diagnostic features and pedodontic-orthodontic management in dentinogenesis imperfecta type II: a case report.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta type II, also known as hereditary opalescent dentin, is an isolated inherited condition transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait affecting the primary and permanent dentition. The combined pedodontic-orthodontic management of a 4-year-old child is described. Following orthodontic analysis to encourage a favourable growth outcome, treatment comprised restoration of the primary teeth with stainless steel crowns and composite crowns. Differential diagnosis and alternative therapies, including orthodontic considerations, are discussed.

[Retraining in dento-facial orthopedics. An orthodontist's viewpoint]. / La rééducation en orthopédie dento-faciale. Point de vue d'un orthodontiste.

In dentofacial orthopedics, rehabilitation concerns the performance of the orofacial functions. Orthodontists will therefore speak of rehabilitation of functions, or functional therapy. Orofacial functions seem to obey a hierarchical system in accordance with their physiological importance; the impact of their disorders on both muscular behavior and facial morphogenesis, proportionally to their physiological importance. Therefore, priority will be given at a very early stage to the rehabilitation of respiration: restoring nasal ventilation is indeed an essential condition to obtain balanced oral functions because oral ventilation conditions both muscular posture and the performance of other functions. A little later, affective immaturity symptoms closely linked to various persisting bad suction habits will be looked after. At last, the rehabilitation of phonation and chewing both affected by the previous dysfunctions will participate in acquiring correct lingual position. The age for intervention will before all depend on the dysfunctional etiopathogeny. The morphological context, the importance of the malocclusion, and some orthodontic appliances also play a role in the the dysfunctional requests and the alterations of oral behavior.