EFFECTS OF MYOFUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES

Malocclusion is now recognized by the WHO as one of the most important global oral health issues ranking immediately after dental caries and periodontal disease and affects up to 90 % of children and adolescents in some regions, with Class II anomalies making up approximately one quarter to one third of all cases. myofunctional) appliances such as the Twin Block, Activator, Bionator, and Frankel regulator have the dual benefit of improving function (speech, mastication, airway) as well as esthetics by guiding mandibular growth and neuromuscular adaptation. Clinical trials report overjet reductions of around 5 mm in growing patients treated with Twin Block appliances. approximately half of that due to true skeletal jaw growth and half via dental/surrounding bone changes. Meta-analyses further confirm improvements in ANB and convex facial profiles, especially when functional appliance therapy is initiated during the pubertal growth spurt rather than too early or too late. In essence, properly timed myofunctional therapy offers children a minimally invasive, comprehensive strategy that supports both esthetic alignment and the essential functions of the oral airway system.