Orofacial function improvements from elastodontic appliance use in children: A scoping review

Elastodontic appliance & orofacial function

Abstract

Elastodontic appliances are flexible, prefabricated orthodontic devices that not only guide tooth position but also stimulate the orofacial muscle system and breathing patterns and suppress bad habits. This scoping review aims to identify the outcomes of orofacial function evaluations and the research methodologies used in studies on the use of elastodontic appliances in children. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2015 to 2025. Included studies evaluated the use of elastodontic appliances involving participants aged ≤18 years, evaluated orofacial function, and reported functional outcomes after elastodontic appliance use. Five studies met the inclusion criteria from 2,662 identified articles. The most widely used prefabricated elastodontic appliance was Myobrace, which was recognized for its effect on orofacial function. Myobrace helps correct poor oral habits such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and lip biting, with good results in terms of dental arch and jaw development.