Therapy · Overview
One device.One pattern.
FaceFormer therapy is an exercise method using a medical device. It trains breathing, swallowing and head balance back into their natural interplay, with a few minutes three times a day and no exercise at all at night.
At a glance
What FaceFormer therapy is
An exercise method
Developed by Dr. Klaus-Jürgen Berndsen and Sabine Berndsen at the ISST in Unna, from decades of therapeutic practice. What is trained is the control pattern, not strength.
With a medical device
The FaceFormer is a Class I medical device under the European Medical Device Regulation. It guides the movement instead of forcing it.
For children and adults
Children up to the age of ten train with the softer FaceFormer ZERO. For young children, the practice decides when and how to train.
A few minutes a day
A short training session three times a day, plus the FaceFormer ZERO at night after a few weeks. The free app guides you through the basic exercises.
The therapy starts where many chains of causes begin.
Breathing, swallowing and head balance supply the whole body. Many complaints can be connected with them. The training creates the conditions for complaints to improve, and it does not replace a medical assessment.
The device
Lip wedge and membrane
The lip wedge guides the lips towards the centre of the mouth and gives clear feedback. The membrane sits behind the lips in the oral vestibule, reaches into the cheeks and seals the oral cavity. When you swallow, a slight negative pressure is created and the tongue rests against the palate.
The FaceFormer comes in two material hardnesses with the same shape and size: the softer ZERO for getting started, for children and for the night, and the firmer ONE for advanced training during the day.
The training
Eleven modules in three levels
All exercises combine lip closure, tongue reference position, swallowing and nasal breathing. You choose the modules you need by following the instructions or together with a practice.
Basic training
Basic exercise, pull exercise and night-time use. For everyone, from day one.
Special training
Pull exercises upwards, downwards or in varying directions, if your starting situation calls for it.
Extended training
Breathing exercise, head balance rotation, pelvic floor and AirFlip, in addition to the basic training.
In everyday life
The FaceFormer ZERO at night, and during the day attention to nasal breathing and the tongue reference position, until the pattern runs by itself.
History
From practice, for more than thirty years
- 1993
Orofacial muscle function
Lecture at the “Down-Syndrom heute” conference on orofacial myofunctional disorders.
- 2000
The FaceFormer is introduced
At the annual conference on myofunctional therapy, as a new technical therapy aid.
- 2003
Hamburg study
Randomised study at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, presented at the congress of the European Orthodontic Society, published in 2004.
- 2009
Orthodontics
Contributions to the annual conference of the German Society of Orthodontics on bruxism and spinal posture.
- 2012
Upper body statics
Study on the effects of FaceFormer therapy on upper body statics in the journal Manuelle Medizin.
- 2018
The CCDS
Sabine and Dr. Klaus-Jürgen Berndsen describe the Cranio-Cervical Dysfunction Syndrome as a working model.
- 2023
Textbook
Chapter on FaceFormer therapy in the textbook “Zahnärztliche Schlafmedizin” published by Thieme.
- 2024
Manual on the methodology
The second edition of the manual is published. The book “Trust the Triad” is in preparation.
Studies, figures and sources: How does FaceFormer therapy work?
Who uses it
In many specialities
FaceFormer therapy is used in speech therapy, dental, orthodontic, physiotherapy and medical practices. Practitioners learn it in certified training courses.
Speech and language therapy
Swallowing, tongue reference position, mouth closure and nasal breathing, from children to seniors.
Dentistry and orthodontics
Alongside braces and splints, for tooth misalignments and jaw joint complaints.
Physiotherapy and osteopathy
Head balance, throat and neck, body statics and pelvic floor.
Questions
Frequently asked
Is the FaceFormer a medical device?
Yes, a Class I medical device under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
Do I need a therapist?
Not necessarily. With the free app and the exercise pages, you can also train on your own. A practice is advisable if you are not making progress, want to have symptoms checked or would like professional support. The practice carries out an assessment, puts together the appropriate modules and corrects your technique.
Does German statutory health insurance cover the costs?
German statutory health insurance does not usually cover the FaceFormer itself. More on this: Is the FaceFormer covered by German statutory health insurance?
How long does the therapy take?
This varies greatly and depends on how long a pattern has existed. The basic training is designed to last several months.
Can I use the FaceFormer with braces?
Yes, ZERO and ONE can be used together with orthodontic appliances. Discuss the procedure with your practice.
Get started
Ready for the training?
The free FaceFormer app guides you through the basic exercises, counts along and reminds you of your sessions. If you wish, a practice from the practitioner directory can support you.
FaceFormer ZERO + ONE
Both material hardnesses for getting started, day and night. The set for adults.
FaceFormer ZERO
The softer FaceFormer for getting started, for children and for the night.
FaceFormer ZERO Children’s Set
ZERO with hygiene box, plush bag and success book with stamp.
FaceFormer training aims to restore the physiological setting of the basic functions of breathing, swallowing and head balance, with lip closure and the tongue reference position, thereby creating the conditions under which symptoms can improve. It does not replace a medical assessment. You can find practitioners near you in the practitioner directory.
