The Orofacial Myofunctional Behaviour in Adults (OMA-) Project: Orofacial Myofunctional Behaviour, Orofacial Strength and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Adults With and Without a History of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.

BACKGROUND

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a widely adopted behavioural intervention for managing Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). Nevertheless, there is a lack of data on the long-term outcomes of OMT.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare orofacial myofunctional status, orofacial strength, and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in healthy adults with and without a history of OMT, and to explore person- and therapy-related factors influencing long-term outcomes of OMT.

METHODS

Thirty-one healthy adults (mean age 23.9 years old, SD 3.99 years) who underwent OMT as a child or adolescent were included in this cross-sectional study (OMT group), as well as 31 age and gender matched control participants without a history of OMT (non-OMT group). For perceptual assessment of orofacial functions, the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) was used, with higher scores indicative of better performance. Maximum isometric pressure and endurance measurements were obtained using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). The Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-NL14) was used to assess OHRQoL.

RESULTS

The OMT group did not show significant differences in orofacial appearance/posture, mobility, strength, endurance, or OHRQoL compared to those who did not undergo therapy. The OMT group did demonstrate a significantly higher OMES function sub score (p = 0.046) and exhibited a typical swallowing pattern significantly more frequently (p = 0.045) than the non-OMT group. No demographic or therapy-related factors significantly influencing long-term OMT intervention outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that OMT may have a lasting positive impact in the treatment of OMDs, indicating its effectiveness over the long term.