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ORTHO TRIBUNE | MARcH SUpplEMENT Industry Event 11 By Javier M. de Pison, Editor in Chief, Dental Tribune Latin America D r. Chris Farrell and Dr. Germán Ramírez-Yáñez from the Uni- versity of Manitoba in Canada, leading authorities on the role of myofunctional forces for correct- ing malocclusion, held a two-day conference in Coral Springs, Fla., attended by about 50 orthodontists. Farrell, founder of Myofunctional Research Company (MRC), lectured on topics such as “The 3 R’s of Tra- ditional Orthodontics: Relapse, Root Resorption, Permanent Retention,” and presented a new theory of mal- occlusion. According to Farrell, the main problem in orthodontics is dental stability or, more precisely, the lack of it. For decades, orthodontists have studied dental alignment, for which they have always used fixed devices such as braces and brackets that are cumbersome and require them to be worn for long periods of time. Even after this, relapses are common, as shown by many clini- cal studies. On the other hand, Farrell said, it has been shown that muscles are the main structure of the body, including the mouth, and that facial and masticatory muscles are what define the structure of the maxil- lary. Farrell explained that myofunc- tional therapy treats muscle and functional problems, as well as the position of the tongue, and thus improves tooth position. He said his clinical cases, which he presented at the event, show that a good alignment can be achieved without brackets but by using MRC devices such as Myobrace or T4K, the interceptive series called i-2 and i-3, and the new Bent Wire System. Meanwhile, Ramírez-Yáñez dis- cussed the science underlying myo- functional forces. Ramírez-Yáñez has written a new book called “Early Treatment of Malocclusion: Preven- tion and Interception in Primary Dentition,” which deals extensively with the subject. “By improving muscle activity in the mouth, we also improve the position of the jaw, as confirmed by important studies, and stimulate the transverse development of the jaw and the maxillary and dental align- ment,” he said. Early treatment clinics During the event, Farrell introduced his vision for the early treatment of malocclusion: the Myofunctional Clinics. The concept of these clinics is based on an office management system that includes patient educa- tion. The clinic modules presented by Farrell show an addition to the den- tal office space of about 900 feet, which would be used to educate parents and children on myofunc- tional techniques. Toward a new theory of malocclusion This colorful office space would be a relaxed environment designed specifically to make children feel comfortable. The clinics would be managed by dental assistants and supervised by dentists. Because myofunctional techniques are designed for early treatment of malocclusion in chil- dren ages 6 to 11 and even younger, it’s an interesting and effective way to increase the number of orthodon- tic patients, Farrell said. The dental assistant manage- ment system ensures that dentists can see a large number of other patients without being disturbed by the increase in the number of chil- dren and parents who go through the myofunctional education mod- ules. For more information on myo- functional techniques, please visit www.myoresearch.com or primary dentition.com. OT AD Dr. Chris Farrell, founder of Myofunctional Research Company, talks about the therapeutical benefits of using the interceptive device i-3 for Class III malocclusions. (Photo/Jan Agostaro, DTI)