Orthodontic Treatment in Patients With Atypical Swallowing and Malocclusion: A Systematic Review
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
Inchingolo, A. D., Inchingolo, A. M., et al. (2024).
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 48(5), 14-26.
<div>This systematic review investigates the effects of myofunctional treatment, speech therapy, and orthodontic devices on lingual posture in children with atypical, or infantile, swallow and malocclusion. Orthodontic management and dental outcomes are not within the speech-language pathologist's (SLPs) scope of practice. This summary highlights conclusions within the scope of SLPs.</div>
No funding received
January 1, 2003 to November 27, 2023
<div>Randomized clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case reports</div>
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<div>Orofacial myofunctional interventions showed promise for improving atypical swallowing in children. Specific findings include the following:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Orthodontic interventions (e.g., Froggy Mouth device, palatal expansion) followed by speech therapy improved lip incompetence (1 study) and tongue movement (1 study).</li>
<li>Face Former Therapy showed greater effects on tongue position and mouth closure than traditional myofunctional therapy (1 study).</li>
<li>Myofunctional therapy devices showed improvements in bite (1 case study) and functionality of oral muscles (1 study).</li>
</ul>
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<div>The authors conclude that additional research is needed to investigate the intervention mechanisms of orofacial myofunctional appliances and the efficacy of treatments for atypical swallowing.</div>
