Baba Farid University Dental Journal

This review provides an overview of the literature on myofunctional appliances used in interceptive orthodontic treatment for growing patients. These devices aim to modify orofacial muscle habits—such as tongue positioning, lip closure and swallowing—to influence dental and skeletal growth. Research indicates that prefabricated myofunctional appliances (PMAs) deliver modest improvements in overjet, overbite and mandibular crowding when compared to no treatment. However, in comparison to custom functional appliances, PMAs are less effective in producing skeletal or soft-tissue adaptations. The effectiveness of treatment is heavily influenced by patient compliance and timing relative to growth. Limitations in the available studies include variability in patient age, appliance design, short follow-up durations and inconsistent outcome measures. The review concludes that while myofunctional appliances can be a valuable early intervention option — especially in patients with mild-to-moderate malocclusion and active functional habits — they should not replace comprehensive orthodontic or orthopaedic treatment in more severe skeletal cases. It emphasizes the need for further long-term, high-quality randomized controlled trials to establish optimal appliance design, timing and enduring stability.