Early functional orthodontic treatment of bad oral habits with AMCOP® bio-activators

Genetic and environmental factors influence craniofacial growth. The presence of bad habits such as fingeror pacifier sucking, atypical swallowing, oral breathing, nail-biting and abnormal postures play an essential rolein developing malocclusions. The severity and type of malocclusion are related to the age of the patient and thefrequency, duration and intensity of the spoiled habit. The most common malocclusions are: posterior crossbite,transverse contraction of the palate, anterior open bite, and augmented overjet. Eliminating oral habits withan interceptive functional treatment allows for restoring the correct development of the bone bases and normalocclusion. Elastodontic devices represent a valid tool to correct neuromuscular dysfunctions and re-educaterespiratory, swallowing, speech and masticatory functions, performing a functional, orthopaedic action.