Myofunctional Trainers

Working with the Cause, Not the Consequence: Myofunctional Trainers

The shape of our jaws and the position of our teeth are largely determined by how our muscles—tongue, lips, and cheeks—function. Myofunctional trainers are special soft silicone appliances for the youngest patients (usually 5-10 years old) that work not on the teeth, but on the cause of their incorrect position—muscle dysfunction. This is the gentlest and most physiological approach in early orthodontics.

How does a myofunctional trainer work?

A trainer is not just a tray. Its design is engineered to gently "retrain" the muscles to work correctly:

• Positions the tongue: A special tongue tag helps the tongue to take its correct position against the palate.

• Closes the lips: Bumpers on the appliance encourage proper lip seal.

• Promotes nasal breathing: The appliance helps to eliminate the harmful habit of mouth breathing.

By eliminating these harmful habits, we allow the child's jaws to grow and develop correctly and harmoniously, often preventing the need for complex treatment in the future.

Who are myofunctional trainers indicated for?

I recommend the use of trainers if a child has the following problems:

• Mouth breathing.

• Infantile swallowing (when the tongue pushes against the teeth during a swallow).

• The habit of sucking a thumb or foreign objects.

• Incorrect tongue posture at rest.

• Early signs of tooth crowding.

How does the treatment proceed?

Treatment requires teamwork and discipline. The child wears the trainer for 1-2 hours during the day and all night while sleeping. The duration of treatment averages from 6 to 18 months. Often, to achieve the best result, we combine wearing the trainer with special myogymnastics (muscle exercises).