A longitudinal pilot study to compare, in children with reduced overbite malocclusions associated with oral habits (finger-sucking and tongue-thrusting), the effects of the experimental Myofunctional Trainer (MFT; Myofunctional Research Co.) and the conventional Bluegrass appliance (BG) on dento-alveolar relations, tongue position, and on speech. Methods: The experimental group received the MFT appliance while the control group received the BG appliance. Dento-alveolar changes were assessed by cephalometry and study models. Longitudinal midsagittal 2-dimensional B-mode ultrasound scans of the tongue surface were performed to determine tongue position. Speech acceptability tests were also performed. Results & Conclusions: The BG appliance was successful in breaking the finger-sucking habit. The MFT appliance showed only partial success which could be attributed to lack of compliance. At the end of treatment, the open bite was reduced in both groups due to dento-alveolar changes. The BG appliance had a deleterious effect on speech acceptability while in place, while there was no such effect with the MFT appliance.

A longitudinal pilot study to compare, in children with reduced overbite malocclusions associated with oral habits (finger-sucking and tongue-thrusting), the effects of the experimental Myofunctional Trainer (MFT; Myofunctional Research Co.) and the conventional Bluegrass appliance (BG) on dento-alveolar relations, tongue position, and on speech. Methods: The experimental group received the MFT appliance while the control group received the BG appliance. Dento-alveolar changes were assessed by cephalometry and study models. Longitudinal midsagittal 2-dimensional B-mode ultrasound scans of the tongue surface were performed to determine tongue position. Speech acceptability tests were also performed. Results & Conclusions: The BG appliance was successful in breaking the finger-sucking habit. The MFT appliance showed only partial success which could be attributed to lack of compliance. At the end of treatment, the open bite was reduced in both groups due to dento-alveolar changes. The BG appliance had a deleterious effect on speech acceptability while in place, while there was no such effect with the MFT appliance.