Enhancing Orthodontic Treatment for Patients With Swallowing and Speech Disorders

Abstract

Introduction. At the modern level, disorders of the functions of the tongue are considered by scientists in close relationship with the condition of the cranio-mandibular structures, posturological changes and various general somatic disorders of the human body.
 The purpose of this study was to improve the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment outcomes for patients with disorders of tongue functions based on data obtained from the systematic review of revelant literature and own clinical experience.
 Materials and Methods. The research involved an analysis of contemporary national and international literature spanning from 2000 to the present. Additionally, the study summarized the clinical experience gained from examining and treating 1024 patients with swallowing and speech disorders over the past 8 years.
 Results. The "Algorithm for investigating the state and position of the tongue during swallowing and speech functions" has been formulated. This algorithm encompasses stages of clinical and paraclinical analysis, evaluating factors such as the tongue position, the condition of supra- and sublingual spaces, pharyngeal airways, hyoid bone position, as well as using techniques such as photopalatography, electropalatography, and electromyography. The corrective method we offer for addressing improper tongue positioning during swallowing and speech involves enhancing the patient's overall somatic condition through recommendations for a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and specific myogymnastics. It further focuses on normalizing the myodynamic balance between the external and internal muscle circles of the dento-jaw area. Controlled myogymnastics for the tongue is facilitated using a specially designed device.
 Conclusion. The developed algorithm for studying the condition and position of the tongue during swallowing and speech functions, along with the proposed corrective method, promises to enhance the effectiveness of diagnosing malocclusion associated with or caused by tongue function disorders. This approach contributes to the objectification of results in orthodontic treatment.