Improving Smiles & Sleep: How To Sequence Treatment for Patients with Myofunctional & Upper Airway Dysfunction

Patients with myofunctional disorders can be some of the most challenging orthodontic patients to achieve an acceptable finish that remains stable following treatment. A tongue thrust swallow and other myofunctional disorders directs improper forces and force vectors throughout the mouth influencing growth and development leading to dental malocclusion and can cause adverse effects during orthodontic treatment.

Correcting ankyloglossia, tongue thrust, dysfunctional swallow and mouth breathing are all important in resolving a dental malocclusion, as they are contributors to its presence. But, the questions of when to intervene and what to intervene with can be confusing to the practitioner and conflicting opinions found among healthcare professionals create further uncertainty. The uncertainty can also be compounded by patients and parents who are unwilling to pursue recommended treatment options that could further impede the process toward a successful outcome.

It is important to remember that orthodontic treatment is a process; and that patients with myofunctional and breathing disorders must be monitored throughout this process for relapse of old problems or development of new problems that can negatively influence the outcome of their orthodontic treatment or even adversely affect their quality of life.