Cosmetic Aspects of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Introduction: In maxillofacial, craniofacial, plastic and reconstructive surgeries as well as in general orthodontic treatment, one of the principal concerns for patient management is facial esthetic or cosmetic satisfaction. This is manifested by the numerous articles and manuscripts devoted to the topic of cosmesis. Thousands of dollars are paid yearly to practitioners in these and similar disciplines by patients who want a better chin line, less protrusion in the maxillary region, a smaller or less dynamic nose, the elimination of a diastema between the central incisors, fewer wrinkles and numerous additional cosmetic concerns. These professionals generally acknowledge that the need for treatment of many orofacial anomalies may be based on factors other than impairment of physiological functions or the potential loss of function -- namely, cosmetic concern (Tedesco, et al. 1983; Tobiasen, 1987; Kapp-Simon, 1986). The orofacial myologist must share this concern for improvement of cosmesis and seek and use techniques to augment the cosmetic goals of related professionals.