International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

10 pages, 3063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lingual Frenulum: Quantitative Evaluation Proposal

by Irene Queiroz Marchesan

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2005, 31(1), 39-48; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.4 - 1 Nov 2005

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 65

The purpose of this study was to establish a quantitative method to classify lingual frenulum as normal and altered. Methods: 98 people were included in this study. All measurements were made with maxium opening of the mouth. A digital caliper was used to measure the length of the frenulum under three conditions: (a) with the tongue tip on the incisal papilla; (b) with the tongue sucked up and maintained against the hard palate; and (c) with tongue stretching over a spatula. Results: observations indicated that the most useful and statistically significant way of measuring frenulum length was achieved with maximum mouth opening and the tongue tip on the incisal papilla. Conclusion: this quantitative method was demonstrated to be effective for identifying and distinguishing normal and altered frenular length. Full article

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13 pages, 274 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Children with Asymmetry of the Posture and Locomotion Apparatus

by Heike Korbmacher, Lutz E. Koch and Bärbel Kahl-Nieke

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2005, 31(1), 26-38; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.3 - 1 Nov 2005

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 174

Abstract

352 children radiologically identified with asymmetry in the occipito-cervical region were assessed on a number of myofunctional measures. In all children an orthopedic examination was conducted including a functional test of the upper cervical spine and the iliac joint, the postural test by Matthiass, as well as gait analysis. During a second examination the orofacial myofunctional status was recorded. In general, about 70% of the children revealed orofacial myofunctional disorders. Correlational analysis was conducted in order to determine whether specific myofunctional variables were associated with postural and orthopedic alterations. A weak body posture correlated statistically significantly with all assessed myofunctional variables. On the other hand, all orthopedic items correlated significantly with a reclined head position. A blockade of the iliac spine correlated significantly with persistent habits, articulation disorders and tongue dysfunction, whereas functional asymmetry of the upper cervical spine correlated significantly with incompetent lips. A finding of at least five statistically significant correlations within each orofacial variable underlined the complex symptomatology of myofunctional disorders, so that consideration needs to be given to adequate treatment approaches. The data generated by the present study stress the importance of early interdisciplinary screening in children to ensure a physiological development of the orofacial region and the still growing vertebral column. To help understand the complexity of symptoms influencing orofacial development, an explanatory model of the “interactive functional box system” is given. Full article

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11 pages, 215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Repeated Tongue and Hand Strength Measurements in Normal Adults and Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

by Carol O'Day, Elaine Frank, Allen Montgomery, Michele Nichols and Hiram McDade

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2005, 31(1), 15-25; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.2 - 1 Nov 2005

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 88

Abstract

Changes in tongue and hand strength measurements of men with Parkinson’s Disease and agedmatched controls across multiple days were examined. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument measured tongue and hand strength during four consecutive days and at day 11. Peak tongue strength measurements occurred on day 3 with a small decrease on day 4, which was maintained at day 11, indicating a significant increase in tongue strength measurements with task repetition in multiple days. No change in hand strength measurements was noted over days. Significant differences in mean tongue and hand strength measurements between the PD and age-matched control group were found. Tongue and hand strength measurements were lower for the PD group compared with the control group on average across days. Full article

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10 pages, 155 KiB

Open AccessTutorial

A Retrospective and Prospective View of Orofacial Myology

by Robert M. Mason

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2005, 31(1), 5-14; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.1 - 1 Nov 2005

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 122

Abstract

Orofacial myofunctional disorders include specific conditions or behaviors that can have a negative impact on oral postures and functions. Historically, interest has focused on behaviors in the horizontal plane, highlighted by tongue thrusting. Currently, the scope of practice also includes tongue forward posturing, lip incompetence, open mouth rest posture, thumb and finger sucking, bruxism, and biting habits involving lips, fingers, tongue and cheeks. The common denominator for myofunctional conditions is a change in the inter-dental arch vertical rest posture dimension, the dental freeway space. The purposes of myofunctional therapy include normalizing the freeway space dimension by eliminating noxious habits or postures related to freeway space change. Improving cosmesis with a lips-together rest posture is also an important treatment goal. The clinical significance of the freeway space is explained in terms of the dental consequences of differential eruption patterns that can develop from postural modification of the freeway space. When the freeway space is opened for extended periods beyond the normal range, the tongue can act as a functional appliance and contribute to the development of anterior open bite or a Class II malocclusion. A clinical procedure is proposed for evaluating the freeway space dimension and incorporating the information into treatment planning and evaluation of treatment success. While dentistry/orthodontics has a primary focus on dental occlusion, or teeth-together relationships, orofacial myologists focus on teeth-apart behaviors and postures that can lead to, or have already resulted in malocclusion. Full article

2 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editor's Corner: Looking Closer at Orofacial Myology

by Patricia M. Taylor

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2005, 31(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2005.31.1.5 - 1 Nov 2005

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Abstract

This year my challenge to IAOM members is to take a step back and look at orofacial myology and orofacial myofunctional protocols as if you were an outsider looking in for the first time [...] Full article

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Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 31, Issue 1 (November 2005) – 5 articles , Pages 2-48

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