Because there are many examples of orthodontic malpositions, soft tissue dysfunctions exist and are seen as causal factors of the malpositions. Besides the exercises, which were developed over time in context of myofunctional therapy, single therapy is also offered with supporting equipment. The goal of this study was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of the FaceFormer, a device which primarily modifies the soft tissue of the lips.
Forty children and youth between the ages of five and 17 were treated for differing disorders such as lip incompetence, mouth breathing, sucking habits and their resulting orthodontic problems like overbite. The control group also consisted of 40 persons and split into two groups. Twenty persons were treated with other myofunctional therapy techniques and 20 were not treated. For the present study, the lip strength was measured with a myoscanner and a spring scale before and after treatment (Fig. 1&2). In addition, intra and perioral photographs as well as profile and full face exposures were made (Fig. 3&4).
The following picture shows the myoscanner, a device for determining the lip pressure when the lips are closed.
Fig. 1: Myoscanner
Image of the spring balance, which can be used to quantitatively determine the resistance to tensile forces exerted on the lips.
Fig. 2: Spring balance
Photo of a 7-year-old child before treatment with the FaceFormer in the mouth. The wrinkles are clearly visible due to the contraction of the mentalis muscle, which has to partially compensate for the lip weakness.
Fig. 3: Before treatment
The same child after three-months of treatment with the FaceFormer. The lip strength is increased through the training and the use of the M. mentalis is no longer necessary.
Fig. 4: After three months of treatment
The difference between the first and last measurement of lip strength in the three groups studied. The greatest improvement was achieved in the group treated with the FaceFormer.
Myoscanner: p-Wert:< 0,0005
Federwaage: p-Wert: <0,0023
y-Achse = Differenz zwischen erster und letzter Messung
x-Achse = FF-behandelte Gruppe, andere Behandlungsgruppe, Kontrollgruppe
Rot = Differenz zwischen der ersten und der letzten Messung mit dem Myoscanner (kp)
Grün = Differenz zwischen der ersten und der letzten Messung mit dem Myoscanner (kp)
Fig. 5: Lip force change at different ages.
Das Streudiagramm zeigt die Differenz der Lippenkraft nach der Behandlung mit dem dem FaceFormer bei verschiedenem Lebensalter. Tendenziell wurden in jüngerem Alter eventuell größere Verbesserungen der Lippenstärke erreicht.
y-Achse = Differenz zwischen erster und letzter Messung
Rot = gemessen mit einem Myoscanner
Grün = gemessen mit einer Federwaage
Fig. 6: Lip force change at different ages.
After three-months of treatment, an improvement on the lip strength, mouth and tongue positioning with the FaceFormer was seen.
This improvement of the lip strength was maximal in the FaceFormer treated group and was eventually dependent on age (Fig. 5&6). Regarding comfort and simplicity of the single myofunctional techniques, there were different individual assessments. The FaceFormer was well to very well accepted and tolerated by the majority of patients. The exercises with the FaceFormer were more manageable by the parents and the young patients in comparison to the other myofunctional methods. Hereby, the motivation to continue the exercises for longer periods was increased.
The probability for increased improvement in the lip strength lessened with age. Young children had an increased tendency for improvement.
The treatment success of the myofunctional therapy with the FaceFormer is dependent on the frequency and length of its application.
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