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 finger or pacifier sucking, atypical swallowing, oral breathing, nail-biting and abnormal postures play an essential role in developing malocclusions. The severity and type of malocclusion are related to the age of the patient and the frequency, 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 with an interceptive functional treatment allows for restoring the correct development of the bone bases and normal occlusion. Elastodontic devices represent a valid tool to correct neuromuscular dysfunctions and re-educate respiratory, swallowing, speech and masticatory functions, performing a functional, orthopaedic action.