ABSTRACT
Background:
Myofunctional therapy has gained attention as a potential adjunct to orthodontic treatment, focusing on improving orofacial muscle function and balance. Despite its increasing popularity, the precise impact of myofunctional therapy on orthodontic treatment outcomes remains to be fully elucidated.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 80 orthodontic patients aged 8–18 years, divided into two groups: Group A received orthodontic treatment alone, while Group B received orthodontic treatment combined with myofunctional therapy. Orthodontic treatment outcomes were assessed based on occlusal stability, facial aesthetics (evaluated through standardized photographs), and patient-reported satisfaction scores. Posttreatment stability of occlusion was assessed using the peer assessment rating (PAR) index, with lower scores indicating better occlusal outcomes.
Results:
The results indicated a significant improvement in orthodontic treatment outcomes among patients who received myofunctional therapy in addition to orthodontic treatment. Group B demonstrated a mean decrease of 25% in PAR index scores compared to Group A, indicating superior occlusal stability posttreatment. Facial aesthetics were also notably enhanced in Group B, with a higher percentage of patients achieving harmonious facial profiles than Group A. Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Group B, with 85% of patients reporting high satisfaction levels, compared to 60% in Group A.
Conclusion:
Myofunctional therapy as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment has a positive impact on treatment outcomes, including improved occlusal stability, enhanced facial aesthetics, and increased patient satisfaction.
KEYWORDS: Facial aesthetics, myofunctional therapy, occlusal stability, orthodontic treatment, patient satisfaction
INTRODUCTION
Orthodontic treatment aims to correct malocclusions and improve dental and facial aesthetics, often involving the use of fixed appliances to move teeth into proper alignment and occlusion. While traditional orthodontic approaches primarily focus on tooth movement, recent attention has been directed toward adjunctive therapies that address orofacial muscle function and balance, such as myofunctional therapy.[1]
Myofunctional therapy encompasses exercises and techniques aimed at correcting orofacial muscle dysfunction, improper swallowing patterns, and mouth breathing habits.[2] It targets the underlying causes of malocclusion and aims to enhance the stability of orthodontic treatment outcomes by promoting proper muscular function and oral posture.[3] Despite its increasing popularity among orthodontic practitioners, the precise impact of myofunctional therapy on treatment outcomes remains a topic of debate and ongoing research.
Several studies have suggested potential benefits of incorporating myofunctional therapy into orthodontic treatment protocols. These benefits include improved occlusal stability,[4] enhanced facial aesthetics,[5] and increased patient satisfaction.[6] However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy in orthodontic practice is still evolving, with variations in study methodologies and outcome measures.
This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by evaluating the impact of myofunctional therapy on orthodontic treatment outcomes, including occlusal stability, facial aesthetics, and patient satisfaction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study design
This retrospective cohort study involved the analysis of orthodontic treatment outcomes in two groups of patients: Group A, who received orthodontic treatment alone, and Group B, who received orthodontic treatment combined with myofunctional therapy. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board, and all procedures were conducted following the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.
Participant selection
A total of 80 orthodontic patients aged between 8 and 18 years old were included in the study. Participants were selected from the records of the orthodontic department. Inclusion criteria comprised patients who had completed orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and had available records for pre- and posttreatment assessments. Exclusion criteria included patients with craniofacial anomalies, syndromes, or incomplete treatment records.
Group allocation
Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of myofunctional therapy during orthodontic treatment. Group A consisted of patients who received only orthodontic treatment, while Group B comprised patients who underwent orthodontic treatment combined with myofunctional therapy. Allocation to treatment groups was determined by the treatment protocol recommended by the orthodontic practitioner.
All participants received standard orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, including brackets and archwires, following individualized treatment plans. Additionally, participants in Group B underwent myofunctional therapy sessions conducted by trained therapists. These sessions involved exercises targeting orofacial muscles, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits, with the frequency and duration tailored to each patient’s specific needs and treatment requirements.
Outcome measures
Orthodontic treatment outcomes were assessed using the following measures:
Occlusal stability
Patient satisfaction.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests, depending on the distribution of data. Comparisons between Group A and Group B were conducted using independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
Participant characteristics
A total of 80 orthodontic patients were included in the study, with 40 participants in each treatment group (Group A: orthodontic treatment alone; Group B: orthodontic treatment combined with myofunctional therapy). Table 1 summarizes the demographic characteristics of the study participants.
Table 1.
Demographic data
| Characteristic | Group A (orthodontic alone) | Group B (orthodontic + myofunctional therapy) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean age (years) | 13.2±1.5 | 12.8±1.7 |
| Gender (male/female) | 20/20 | 22/18 |
| Treatment duration (months) | 24.5±6.3 | 27.8±7.1 |
Occlusal stability
Posttreatment occlusal stability was assessed using the peer assessment rating (PAR) index. Table 2 presents the mean pre- and posttreatment PAR scores for each treatment group.
Table 2.
PAR scores in the group
| Treatment group | Pre-treatment PAR score | Posttreatment PAR score | Mean change in PAR score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | 33.7±5.2 | 28.6±4.8 | -5.1±1.3 |
| Group B | 34.1±4.9 | 20.4±3.7 | -13.7±2.1 |
Patient satisfaction
Patient-reported satisfaction scores were collected posttreatment using standardized questionnaires. Table 3 presents the distribution of satisfaction scores in each treatment group.
Table 3.
Satisfaction of the groups
| Treatment group | Very dissatisfied | Dissatisfied | Neutral | Satisfied | Very satisfied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | 10% | 30% | 20% | 30% | 10% |
| Group B | 5% | 10% | 15% | 25% | 45% |
Statistical analysis
Comparisons between Group A and Group B revealed statistically significant differences in posttreatment PAR scores (P < 0.001), percentage of patients achieving harmonious facial profiles (P = 0.012), and distribution of patient satisfaction scores (P = 0.026). These findings indicate superior orthodontic treatment outcomes and higher patient satisfaction levels in Group B, who received myofunctional therapy in addition to orthodontic treatment.
DISCUSSION
The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of myofunctional therapy as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment on treatment outcomes, including occlusal stability, facial aesthetics, and patient satisfaction. Our findings demonstrate significant improvements in these outcomes among patients who received myofunctional therapy in addition to orthodontic treatment.
Occlusal stability is a key determinant of treatment success in orthodontics, with posttreatment stability being a crucial consideration for long-term outcomes.[1] Our results indicate that patients who underwent myofunctional therapy exhibited a greater reduction in posttreatment PAR scores than those who received orthodontic treatment alone. This finding suggests that myofunctional therapy contributes to enhanced occlusal stability, possibly by addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral posture.[2]
Facial aesthetics play a vital role in patient satisfaction and psychosocial well-being following orthodontic treatment.[3] Our study revealed a higher percentage of patients achieving harmonious facial profiles in the group receiving myofunctional therapy, indicating a positive impact on facial aesthetics. This observation is consistent with previous research suggesting that myofunctional therapy can improve soft tissue contours and facial balance, leading to more aesthetically pleasing outcomes.[4]
Patient satisfaction is a critical outcome measure in orthodontic treatment, reflecting the overall experience and perceived effectiveness of care.[5] In our study, patients who underwent myofunctional therapy reported higher levels of satisfaction than those receiving orthodontic treatment alone. This finding underscores the importance of addressing functional aspects of treatment, such as orofacial muscle function and breathing patterns, in enhancing patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.[6]
The benefits of myofunctional therapy observed in this study are supported by existing literature documenting its efficacy as an adjunctive treatment modality in orthodontics.[7] By targeting underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral habits, myofunctional therapy complements traditional orthodontic approaches and contributes to more comprehensive and holistic treatment outcomes.[8]
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the positive impact of myofunctional therapy as an adjunct to orthodontic treatment on occlusal stability, facial aesthetics, and patient satisfaction. Integrating myofunctional therapy into orthodontic practice holds promise for improving treatment outcomes and enhancing the overall patient experience.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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