Abstract
Interceptive Therapy: Functional Aspects, Limitations, and Protocols
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.
