The combination of myofunctional therapy and the therapeutic potential of the most advanced aligner developments allows to support the physiological development and functional deficits in one holistic approach to early treatment. In my practice we developed such a holistic approach and have gained clinical evidence for the success of such early treatment to re-establish physiological functions and re-direct growth for a good form and occlusion.
The fundamental principle behind my approach is the connection between function and form multiplied by expected growth. Function stands for muscle forces like oral parafunctions but also mastication, breathing, tongue posture and swallowing. Form refers to the shape of the alveolar bone of the upper and lower jaw and their occlusion. The more growth is still expected, the bigger is the negative impact of poor physiological functions on the form.
One of the big advantages of aligners is that the space in the “roof of the mouth” is left free for good tongue posture. At the same time and because aligners are so thin, special functional appliances can be worn.
In my speech I will present

a) the potential of aligners to provide space and guide bone growth into the correct direction. Different protocols for class two, class three and transversal expansion will be shown.

b) functional appliances and exercises to positively impact the evolving function

I will introduce some patient cases treated with aligners (Invisalign First including Clinchecks) and functional appliances to show that form and function can be treated perfect at the same time. Clinical evidence suggests that such holistic treatment should start early!