Effectiveness of a myofunctional therapy program in the treatment of mouth breathing in patients with dental malocclusion: a pilot clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To verify the effectiveness of an orofacial myofunctional program aimed at treating respiratory function in adults with dental malocclusion.

METHODS

Thirteen adults with Class II malocclusion undergoing orthodontic treatment participated in this pilot study, randomly divided into an experimental group (EG; n=9) and a control group (CG; n=4). Protocols for oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14) and respiratory symptoms were applied. Respiratory function was assessed using the MBGR protocol. Additionally, maximum phonation time (MPT) of /s/, nasal peak inspiratory flow, and nasal airflow analysis using a metallic plate were measured.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the EG showed statistically significant improvement in respiratory symptoms (p<0.001), MBGR score (p<0.001), respiratory type (p=0.041), respiratory mode (p=0.029), MPT (p=0.002), and nasal peak inspiratory flow (p=0.002). There were no changes in oral health-related quality of life for either group (p>0.05). Three months later, the EG maintained the results, while the CG showed worsening of respiratory symptoms (p=0.003) and MPT (p=0.013).

CONCLUSION

The orofacial myofunctional therapy program improved respiratory parameters in oral-breathing adults with malocclusion, with no impact on oral health-related quality of life.