MYOFUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES

Myofunctional appliances transmit, eliminate or guide the natural forces of the musculature. They are used for growth modification procedures that are aimed at intercepting and treating jaw discrepancies. These appliances are given in deciduous as well as mixed dentition till the growth spurts of the child are completed. As it is started at an early age, psychological disturbances associated with malocclusion can be avoided. Less chair side time is there as these appliances are mostly fabricated in a laboratory. They do not interfere with oral hygiene. The limitations of these appliances include their restricted use in case of ceased growth of the child. They cannot be used to bring about individual tooth movement. Most myofunctional appliances are dependent on the patient for timely wear. Thus, patient cooperation is essential for the success of the treatment. They may require pre-functional tooth movement for correction of minor tooth irregularities that may interfere with myofunctional therapy. Fixed appliance therapy may be required at the termination of treatment for detailing the occlusion.