Myofunctional Orthodontics in Interceptive Dentistry: A Narrative Review of Early Detection and Management of Malocclusion in Paediatric Patients, with Emphasis on the Myobrace System

Author

Dr. Althaaf Khan


Abstract

 Background: Malocclusion affects a large proportion of children worldwide and often becomes evident in the primary or early mixed dentition. Functional factors such as prolonged sucking habits, mouth breathing and abnormal tongue and lip activity can influence jaw growth and tooth position and are potentially modifiable.

Objective: To review the biological rationale, early-detection strategies, clinical use and evidence base of myofunctional orthodontics in paediatric patients, with particular attention to the Myobrace system and cost considerations.

Methods: Narrative review of systematic reviews, randomised and controlled clinical studies and Cochrane reviews identified through targeted searches of the published literature, without date restriction.

Results: Malocclusion prevalence is high and appears early. Non-nutritive sucking, bottle feeding and mouth breathing are associated with malocclusion, and risk rises with habit duration. Early treatment of Class II malocclusion reduces incisal trauma but offers few other advantages over adolescent treatment. Prefabricated myofunctional appliances, including Myobrace, produce mainly dentoalveolar change. In randomised trials they were generally less effective than Twin Block or activator appliances on some outcomes, although a multicentre trial found no difference in clinical effectiveness from an activator at significantly lower cost. Patient compliance is the main determinant of success.

Conclusions: Myofunctional orthodontics is a useful interceptive adjunct when combined with early detection, careful case selection and compliance support. Current evidence is of low quality and does not yet show that it reduces later need for fixed appliances. Long-term, well-designed trials are required.



Keywords

myofunctional orthodontics; interceptive orthodontics; malocclusion; Myobrace; paediatric dentistry; oral habits



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References


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