Malocclusions can be defined as the presence of an anomalous relationships between the upper and lower teeth of either dental and/or alveolar origin. The types of occlusions can be classified as Class I (normal occlusion), Class II (distal occlusion) and Class III (mesial occlusion) with or without displacement and maxillary contraction. These alterations can be associated to bad habits (i.e. thumb sucking, oral breathing, atypical swallowing and labial interposition) which, if continuously repeated, can lead to functional anomalies of the orofacial musculature [Josell, 1995; Warren at al., 2005].

To solve these problems we can refer to functional and fixed orthodontic appliances, which can be supported, if necessary, by myofunctional therapy to recover the normal function of the oral muscles. The myofunctional therapist and specific exercises play a key role in the treatment [Mason, 2008].

For the success of the therapy this type of interdisciplinary approach is crucial to avoid any relapse which can occur after orthodontic treatment if bad habits have not been solved.

This report analyses three cases treated according to a protocol meant to solve these dysfunctions.

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S. Saccomanno, G. Antonini, L. D’Alatri,M. D’Angelantonio, A. Fiorita, R. Deli

This article originally appeared in European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry