Abstract

Interceptive Therapy: Functional Aspects, Limitations, and Protocols

by Sfondrini Maria Francesca

Interceptive orthodontic therapy plays a fundamental role in the early management of developing malocclusions, with the potential to guide craniofacial growth and to reduce the severity and complexity of orthodontic problems at later stages. Among the factors influencing treatment outcomes, orofacial myofunctional disorders have received increasing attention because of their potential impact on dentoalveolar development, skeletal relationships and the long-term stability of treatment results. This presentation focuses on the interaction between interceptive orthodontic treatment and orofacial myofunctional disorders, including altered tongue posture both at rest and during function (e.g. atypical swallowing), oral breathing and muscular imbalance. The importance of early diagnosis and functional assessment is discussed, highlighting the need for an interdisciplinary approach involving orthodontists, speech and language therapists and other healthcare professionals. During the presentation, recent findings from scientific research integrating interceptive orthodontic therapy with myofunctional aspects will be critically reviewed. The question is raised as to whether myofunctional rehabilitation is always necessary and whether it should be implemented actively (through targeted exercises), passively (using specific appliances, even when worn for a limited period), or through a combination of both approaches. Although several therapeutic strategies and clinical protocols have been proposed, the current literature still shows a lack of standardized, evidence-based guidelines, both regarding treatment timing and the selection of appliances, as well as long-term effectiveness. A significant limitation in defining universally applicable protocols is represented by individual variability in growth patterns, neuromuscular adaptation and patient compliance. Additional limitations include the current scarcity of validated technological tools for scientific assessment (quantifiable and reproducible) in the field of orofacial myofunctional rehabilitation.