Analysis of prefabricated myofunctional appliances with different overjet and bumper designs: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prefabricated myofunctional appliance can guide tooth eruption, improve dentition alignment, correct myofunctional disorders and harmful oral habits. However, its application to skeletal discrepancy may result in unsatisfactory tooth inclination. This study aimed to construct a novel appliance with overjet design to avoid this side effect and investigated its shape and mechanical changes under occlusion using three-dimensional finite element method. METHODS: We established three samples of prefabricated myofunctional appliances. The first one was edge to edge without overjet, and the outer shield of both jaws were flattened. The second one was 3 mm overjet with stepped the outer shield. The last one was 3 mm overjet, and the outer shield of both jaws were flatted, which meant the front wall of lower jaw was strengthened with bumper, termed as lower bumper. A complete dentition model was applied to the study. 150 N occlusal force was applied to each type of appliance and the deformation displacement and the changes in stress was recorded. RESULTS: The deformation was significant in the incisors regions, especially in the vertical and lateral dimensions. The maximum displacements of 3 mm overjet with step shield group were 7.08 mm (vertical), 3.99 mm (lateral), and 2.90 mm (sagittal), while it decreased to 3.92 mm(vertical), 1.94 mm (lateral), and 1.55 mm (sagittal) in overjet with bumper group. Moreover, the upper molar regions exhibited higher vertical and sagittal displacement in 3 mm overjet with step shield group, which were 3.03 mm (vertical) and 1.99 mm (sagittal), and the bumper design could decrease the maximum displacement to 1.72 mm (vertical) and 0.72 mm (sagittal). In addition, the Von Mises stress of appliances was analyzed, and results indicated that 3 mm overjet with step shield generated higher stress than other groups, with the maximum Von Mises stress was 0.9387 MP, which were 0.5858 and 0.5657 MP in edge to edge group and 3 mm overjet with lower bumper group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prefabricated myofunctional appliances may cause deformation during occlusion. Compared to step shield group, the application of lower bumper exhibited better resistance to occlusal force.

Tongue rehabilitation through the froggy mouth device: case series.

Based on the knowledge supporting the position of the tongue in relation to the palate to be the guiding factor of oro-dental growth and the key factor in long-term orthodontic stability after treatment, 6 different case reports show how the Froggy Mouth device changes treatment strategy in rehabilitation of dysfunctional swallowing by relying on the subcortical process, following the principles established by pioneering studies on memorization mechanisms conducted by Eric Kandel (year 2000 Nobel Prize winner in medical field for his research on memorization process).

Terapia miofuncional orofacial na reabilitação das queimaduras de face em crianças e adolescentes: Uma revisão sistemática / Orofacial myofunctional therapy in the rehabilitation of face burns in children and adolescents: A systematic review

OBJETIVO: Identificar e analisar os achados da literatura referentes a terapia miofuncional orofacial em crianças e adolescentes que sofreram queimaduras de cabeça e/ou pescoço. MÉTODO: Revisão sistemática na qual foram incluídos estudos com desenho analítico observacional, sem restrição de idioma ou data de publicação, com a população de crianças de ambos os sexos, faixa etária de 0 a 18 anos, expostas à queimadura de cabeça e/ou pescoço e como desfecho, que tivessem realizado alguma modalidade de terapia miofuncional orofacial. As bases de dados utilizadas para a busca de artigos científicos foram PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, CidSaude, PAHO, REPIDISCA, BDENF, MedCarib, WHOLIS, IBECS e SciELO, incluindo estudos indexados até dezembro de 2019. A estratégia de busca foi adaptada para cada base de dados. A seleção dos resumos, seleção dos artigos incluídos, extração de dados e análise de viés foi realizada por três pesquisadores separadamente. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 311 artigos nas bases de dados e, desses, quatro foram selecionados para compor o estudo. Identificaram-se diferentes intervenções nos pacientes, variando o tempo e o número de sessões realizadas durante o tratamento de acordo com o tipo de queimadura de exposição, incluindo terapia por pressão, aplicação de silicone, massagem e exercício facial, massagens e uso de aparelhos (placas) associados. CONCLUSÃO: Há falta de evidências sobre a terapia miofuncional orofacial como forma de tratamento para pacientes pediátricos com queimaduras de cabeça e/ou pescoço.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and to analyze the findings in the literature regarding an orofacial myofunctional therapy in children and adolescents who suffered head andor neck burns. METHODS: Systematic review which included studies with observational analytical design, with no restriction on language or publication data, with a population of children of both sexes, aged 0 to 18 years, exposure to head and/or neck burns and as an outcome, they had undergone some modality of orofacial myofunctional therapy. The databases used to search for scientific articles were PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, CidSaude, PAHO, REPIDISCA, BDENF, MedCarib, WHOLIS, IBECS and SciELO, including studies indexed until December 2019. The search strategy was adapted for each database. The selection of abstracts, selection of included articles, data extraction and bias analysis was performed by three researchers separately. RESULTS: 311 articles were found in the databases, and four were selected to compose the study. Different treatments were identified in patients, varying the time and number of combinations during treatment according to the type of exposure burn, including pressure therapy, silicone application, massage and facial exercise, massage and use of devices (plates) associates. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of evidence on orofacial myofunctional therapy as a form of treatment for pediatric patients with head and/or neck burns.

Microstomia: Aplicação da fotogrametria para mensurar a eficiência da órtese oral associada à terapia fonoaudiológica / Microstomy: Application of photogrammetry to measure the efficiency of oral orthosis associated with speech therapy

OBJETIVO: Esse estudo teve como propósito verificar, por meio da fotogrametria computadorizada, a eficácia do uso da órtese oral como auxiliar na terapia fonoaudiológica. MÉTODO: Após a documentação fotográfica, cada paciente foi submetido a terapia fonoaudiológica, por meio da terapia miofuncional orofacial, associada ao uso da órtese oral, confeccionada segundo Borges et al. (2011). Ao término do tratamento, foi realizado novo registro fotográfico, em seguida, a mensuração da dimensão vertical (distância entre lábio superior/inferior) e horizontal (distância entre comissuras direita/esquerda), com o uso do programa Corel Draw X3. RESULTADOS: As médias da abertura bucal aumentaram da avaliação inicial para a avaliação final, tendo aumentado 5,1 mm no sentido horizontal (67,3 mm para 72,4 mm) e 13,9 mm no sentido vertical (de 32,7 mm para 46,6 mm). Essas diferenças se revelam significativas para as avaliações (p <0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O uso da órtese oral associado a terapia fonoaudiológica demonstrou ser eficaz como mais um instrumento na prevenção da microstomia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to through computerized photogrammetry, the efficacy of oral orthosis as an aid in speech therapy. METHODS: After the photographic documentation, each patient underwent speech therapy, through orofacial myofunctional therapy, associated with the use of an oral orthosis, made according to Borges et al. (2011). At the end of the treatment, a new photographic record was taken, then the vertical dimension measurement (distance between upper lip) and horizontal (distance between corners right/left), using the program Corel Draw X3. RESULTS: The mean mouth opening increased from the initial evaluation to the final evaluation, increasing 5.1 mm in the horizontal direction (67.3 mm to 72.4 mm) and 13.9 mm in the vertical direction (from 32.7 mm to 46.6 mm). These differences are significant for the evaluations (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of oral orthosis associated with speech therapy proved to be effective as another tool in the prevention of microstomia.

Tongue Rehabilitation Device for Dysphagic Patients.

Dysphagia refers to difficulty in swallowing often associated with syndromic disorders. In dysphagic patients' rehabilitation, tongue motility is usually treated and monitored via simple exercises, in which the tongue is pushed against a depressor held by the speech therapist in different directions. In this study, we developed and tested a simple pressure/force sensor device, named "Tonic Tongue (ToTo)", intended to support training and monitoring tasks for the rehabilitation of tongue musculature. It consists of a metallic frame holding a ball bearing support equipped with a sterile disposable depressor, whose angular displacements are counterbalanced by extensional springs. The conversion from angular displacement to force is managed using a simple mechanical model of ToTo operation. Since the force exerted by the tongue in various directions can be estimated, quantitative assessment of the outcome of a given training program is possible. A first prototype of ToTo was tested on 26 healthy adults, who were trained for one month. After the treatment, we observed a statistically significant improvement with a force up to 2.2 N (median value) in all tested directions of pushing, except in the downward direction, in which the improvement was slightly higher than 5 N (median value). ToTo promises to be an innovative and reliable device that can be used for the rehabilitation of dysphagic patients. Moreover, since it is a self-standing device, it could be used as a point-of-care solution for in-home rehabilitation management of dysphasia.

Efficacy of a Pre-Fabricated Myofunctional Appliance for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Myobrace/MyOSA myofunctional appliance for the treatment of mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children, by means of the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI). STUDY DESIGN: Nine children with a diagnosis of mild to moderate OSA were included in the study. The subjects wore the Myobrace/MyOSA myofunctional appliance for a period of 90 days. The initial AHI, determined by means of a sleep test, was used as baseline (To), and a second AHI, computed at the end of the experimental period, was used as final data (T1). The differences between the AHIs at To and T1 were calculated (diff AHI) and used for statistical purposes. The level of Oxygen Saturation (SaO2) was also recorded before and after treatment, and their differences calculated as diff SaO2. Statistical analysis was performed with a paired-t- test and statistical significance was established at 95 per cent level of confidence. RESULTS: A statistical significant reduction in the AHI of the studied subjects was computed at the end of the experimental period (p = 0.0425). Although there was an improvement in the SaO2, it did not reach a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that the Myobrace/MyOSA myofunctional appliance can be an alternative to treat mild to moderate OSA in children. However further studies are necessary to determine the stability of the results after treatment.

The Use of Oral Appliances in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders.

Oral appliances (OAs) are widely used for treating various types of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); however, many controversies persist about how they should be designed, how they should be used, and even what their ultimate purpose might be. This article discusses 6 of the current controversies, with a focus on the evidence available to support reasonable practice guidelines for the clinical use of OAs in treating certain TMDs.

Complete dentures for a patient after a stroke by means of orofacial myofunctional therapy: A clinical report.

After a stroke, patients frequently show compromised swallowing, mastication, and speech, as well as unfavorable motion and deviation of the tongue and mandible. The dentist can improve the oral rehabilitation of a patient with deteriorated facial and oral muscles after a stroke by incorporating orofacial myofunctional therapy. This report describes a method for tongue exercises and correction of mandible deviation in an edentulous patient after a stroke by using a pearl on a wire in the anteriomedian palatal part of the maxillary denture.

Outcome of orthodontic palatal plate therapy for orofacial dysfunction in children with Down syndrome: A systematic review.

To evaluate the effects of orthodontic palatal plate therapy (OPPT) in the treatment of orofacial dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS). Indexed databases were searched. Clinical trials in DS allocated to test (treatment with palatal plates) versus control group (without palatal plates/special physiotherapy for orofacial stimulation) with follow-up of any time duration and assessing mouth closure, tongue position, active and inactive muscle function as outcomes. Study designs, subject demographics, frequency and duration of palatal plate therapy, method for assessment, follow-up period and outcomes were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eight clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in three studies and moderate in 5 studies. The number of children with DS ranged between 9 and 42. The mean age of children with DS at the start of the study ranged between 2 months and 12 years. The duration of palatal plate therapy ranged between 4 months and 48 months. The follow-up period in all studies ranged from 12 to 58 months. All studies reported OPPT to be effective in improving orofacial disorders in children with DS. Most of the included studies suggest that palatal plate therapy in combination with physiotherapy/orofacial regulation therapy according to Castillo Morales/speech and language intervention seems to be effective in improving orofacial disorders in children with DS. However, the risk of bias of the included studies was high to moderate. Longitudinal trials with standardized evaluation methods, age of children at treatment initiation, treatment duration and standard orofacial outcomes are recommended.

Correlation of Orthodontic Treatment by Fixed or Myofunctional Appliances and Periodontitis: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Malocclusion plays an important role in the development of periodontitis. Thus, by treating malocclusion, a good gingival health can be achieved. This study was conducted to establish the correlation between orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 220 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. They were divided into two groups: Group I patients were treated with fixed orthodontics, while group II patients received myofunctional appliances. RESULTS: The value for plaque, gingival recession, and tooth mobility significantly increased in group I patients. However, the difference was statistically nonsignificant in group II patients. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that there is correlation between malocclusion and periodontitis. Malocclusion leads to periodontitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Malocclusion is the main reason for the development of poor periodontal health. Combined effort has to be played by both periodontist and orthodontist for the treatment of various orthodontic-periodontal problems.

Anquiloglosia y problemas de succión, tratamiento multidisciplinar: terapia miofuncional orofacial, sesiones de lactancia materna y frenotomía / Ankyloglossia and breastfeeding problems, multidisciplinary management: Orofacial myofunctional therapy, breastfeeding sessions and frenotomy

Introducción. La limitación de la movilidad lingual en neonatos puede ocasionar problemas en la lactancia, entre ellos: dolor-grietas-mastitis en la madre, mal progreso de peso del neonato y duración excesivamente larga de las tomas. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la efectividad de los tratamientos realizados en los pacientes con anquiloglosia y trastornos de succión. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo preliminar de la efectividad del circuito establecido entre los servicios de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial, Logopedia y Rehabilitación Orofacial y Lactancia Materna para el tratamiento de los pacientes que acuden con problemas de lactancia materna y se les diagnostica anquiloglosia. Resultados. Se trató a 61 pacientes de edades entre 0 y 6meses con anquiloglosia asociada a problemas clínicos relacionados con la lactancia: 20 niñas (32.8%) y 41 niños (67.2%). Se establecieron 3 grupos según el tratamiento realizado: grupo1 (n=6) únicamente las sesiones de lactancia materna (SLM), grupo2 (n=19) terapia miofuncional (TMF) y asesoramiento en SLM, y grupo3 (n=36) frenotomía y siguieron TMF y asesoramiento de SLM. La anquiloglosia tipoiii es el frenillo lingual más frecuente (57.4%). En el total de la muestra se observaron mejorías en los parámetros que valoran la efectividad y el confort de la lactancia materna. Conclusiones. Mejorar la succión es posible; se recomienda estimular la succión con terapia miofuncional antes y después de la frenotomía, y también en aquellos casos en los que no será necesaria la cirugía (AU)

Introduction. The limitation of lingual mobility in newborns can cause problems in lactation. Among these problems are, soreness, cracked nipples or mastitis in the mother, poor weight gain of the newborn, and an excessively prolonged period of time in each breastfeed. The aim of this study is evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment received by the newborns with breastfeeding problems and ankyloglossia. Material and methods. A preliminary study of the effectiveness of the circuit established between the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Speech Therapy and Orofacial Rehabilitation and the Breastfeeding Department to treat patients that attended the hospital with breastfeeding problems and were diagnosed with ankyloglossia. Results. A total of 61 patients with ages between 0 and 6 months had ankyloglossia were seen due to clinical problems related to breastfeeding. Of these, 20 (32.8%) were girls and 41 (67.2%) were boys. Three groups were established in accordance with the treatment carried out: group1 (n=6) solely from the Breastfeeding Sessions (BFS), group2 (n=19) Myofunctional Therapy (MFT) and BFS, and group3 (n=36) Frenotomy, followed by MFT and BFS. Ankyloglossia type3 was the most frequent lingual frenulum (57.4%). From the total sample, improvements were observed in the parameters that assessed the effectiveness and comfort of breastfeeding. Conclusions. Improving breastfeeding is possible, and in some cases, surgery should not be necessary. If surgery is required, it is recommended to stimulate suction before and after the frenotomy with myofunctional therapy (AU)

Intervención fonoaudiológica en quemados: relato de un caso en el Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública, Chile / Speech Language Pathologist intervention in burns: a case report of Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública, Chile / Intervenção fonoaudiológica em queimados: relato de caso no Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública, Chile

Introducción: En la área de fonoaudiología, una quemadura puede producir secuelas en deglución, comunicación (habla y voz) y motricidad orofacial. La inclusión del fonoaudiólogo en el trabajo con quemados ha sido paulatina y con escasa evidencia científica. El objetivo fue describir la intervención fonoaudiológica en un paciente adulto gran quemado internado en la UCI del Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP) en Santiago de Chile. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 44 años, con intento de autolisis, 53% de superficie corporal quemada por fuego, con quemadura orofacial e injuria inhalatoria. Resultados: La evaluación fonoaudiológica evidenció trastorno deglutorio, vocal y de la motricidad orofacial. Posteriormente se inició terapia en estas tres áreas. Luego de dos meses, al momento del alta, paciente recuperó en su totalidad función deglutoria y vocal, con mínimas secuelas en motricidad orofacial. Conclusión: La intervención fonoaudiológica precoz favorece la recuperación de la persona quemada y ayuda a disminuir las secuelas posteriores. Es fundamental la inclusión de este profesional en el equipo de rehabilitación del paciente quemado, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional

Introdução: Na área da fonoaudiologia, uma queimadura, uma queimadura pode produzir sequelas na deglutição, comunicação (fala e voz) e motricidade orofacial. A inclusão do fonoaudiólogo no trabalho com queimados tem sido paulatina e com escassa evidência científica. O objetivo foi descrever a intervenção fonoaudiológica em um paciente adulto grande queimado internado na unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP), em Santiago do Chile. Relato do caso: paciente, do sexo masculinho, com 44 anos de idade, com tentativa de autoextermínio, 53% da superfície corporal queimada por fogo, com queimadura orofacial e lesão inalatória. Resultados: Avaliação fonoaudiológica evidenciou alteração na deglutição, vocal e da motricidade orofacial. Foi iniciada terapia nestas três áreas. Após dois meses, na alta hospitalar, o paciente recuperou em totalidade sua função deglutativa e vocal, com mínimas sequelas em motricidade orofacial. Conclusão: A intervenção fonoaudiológica precoce favorece a recuperação da pessoa queimada e ajudana diminuição as sequelas posteriores. Torna-se fundamental a inclusão deste profissional na equipe de reabilitação ao paciente queimado, tanto em nível nacional como internacional.

Introduction: Burns can produce Speech-Language Pathology disorders which can include difficulty in swallowing, communication (speech and voice) and orofacial motricity. The inclusion of speech therapist in burn people intervention has been gradual and with limited scientific evidence. The aim was to describe the speech-language intervention in a adult burn interned in the ICU of Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública (HUAP) in Santiago, Chile. Case report: 444-year old male patient, due to attempt suicide, 53% of body surface burned by fire, with orofacial burn and inhalation injury. Results: A speech-language assessment revealed swallowing, voice and orofacial motricity disorders. Subsequently, therapy was started in these three areas. After two months, at discharge, the patient recovered his entirety deglutory and vocal function, with minimal sequelae in orofacial motricity. Conclusion: Early speech therapy favors the recovery of the burned person and helps to reduce subsequent sequelae. It is fundamental the inclusion of this professional in the burn patient rehabilitation team, both nationally and internationally.

Simple Myofunctional Therapy Using Ready-made Mouthpiece Device before and after Orthodontic Treatment.

The present report describes myofunctional therapy using a ready-made training device, the T4A, in patients with permanent dentition and its effect on the prevention of relapse. The buccinator mechanism maintains the inner pressure of the tongue muscle equivalent to the outer pressure of the perioral soft tissues, such as the orbicular muscles, including the cephalopharyngeus and buccinator muscles. Training is performed so that patients learn to place their tongue and lips in the appropriate resting positions. The shape of the T4A and tongue guard supports the tongue from the bottom, allowing formation of the correct resting tongue position. However, the use of T4A for a long period of time may cause the teeth movement; therefore, caution is required. Use of the T4A is effective for the correction of oral habits, myofunctional therapy and for teaching the correct resting tongue position during the daytime and for the correction of oral habits, teaching correct resting tongue position during sleep.

Dilemmas in Treatment of Recurrent Recalcitrant Dental Anterior Open Bite.

An anterior open bite is one of the most difficult occlusal abnormalities to treat. Quite often this aberration entails dental component and/or skeletal component. The skeletal open bite will require intrusion of the posterior sextants with the assistance of bite blocks, temporary anchorage devices, high pull headgear, and as a last resort - orthognathic surgery. The orthodontic treatment should be augmented with the orofacial myofunctional therapy. In this article, the author describes 3 different variations of treatment of the dental anterior open bite, first on acrylic models, and then on the actual patients. Consideration should be given to patients with a 'short upper lip," and in this case, surgical correction should be entertained.

Combined Mandibular Guidance Therapy in the Management of a Hemimandibulectomy Patient.

This case history report describes two different devices, maxillary ramp prostheses (MRP) and mandibular guide flange prostheses (MGFP), prescribed for managing a hemimandibulectomy patient's deviated mandible. The patient was given muscle reprogramming exercises with coordinated use of both guidance prostheses for 2 months, leading to improvements in both postsurgical mandibular deviation and occlusal equilibration. A successful intercuspal position was eventually accomplished through the use of the combination therapy. MRP and MGFP can be a useful approach to avoid mandibular deviation and compromised function following a partial mandibular resection.

Physiological correction of lingual dysfunction with the "Tongue Right Positioner": Beneficial effects on the upper airways.

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial role of functional tongue therapy in stabilizing treatments for dental malocclusion and treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect on the upper airways of the Tongue Right Positioner device (TRP) used for the correction of atypical swallowing. We analyzed lateral headfilms of 94 orthodontic patients aged between 11 and 17, before the start of treatment and after establishment of mature swallowing, treated with the TRP (TRP group) or by reeducation exercises (control group). In the TRP group, the establishment of mature swallowing occurs twice as fast as in the control group. This led to thinning of the floor of the mouth (-8.38%, P<0.001) linked to anteroposterior enlargement of the pharynx (+10.48%, P<0.01), both probably due to an increase in genioglossal and styloglossal muscle tone and correction of cranio-cervical posture (+2.52%, P<0.01). These results are not dependent on the type of orthodontic treatment. They suggest that the TRP could be used in the treatment of SDB.

Correction of a Overjet and Overbite In Class II Division 1 Malocclusion Using Twin Block Appliance Therapy: A Case Report.

Class II division 1 malocclusion is the most common malocclusion. It shows specific clinical characteristics such as large overiet and deep overbite resulting in a soft tissue profile imbalance. Majority of the patients with class II division 1 malocclusions have an underlying skeletal discrepancy between the maxilla and mandible. The treatment of skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion is done taking into consideration the age, growth potential, severity of malocclusion, and compliance of patient with treatment. Myofunctional appliances can be successfully used to treat growing patients with class II division 1 malocclusion. This article presents a discussion on successful treatment of class II division 1 malocclusion with growth modification approach using twin block appliances.

Treating myofunctional disorders: a multiple-baseline study of a new treatment using electropalatography.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the benefit of using electropalatography (EPG) in treatment aimed at habilitating individuals with nonspeech orofacial myofunctional disorders (NSOMD). METHOD: The study used a multiple-baseline design across 3 female participants who were referred for an evaluation and possible treatment of their NSOMD. Treatment sessions were 30 min and provided twice weekly. Participant 1 received 8 treatments, Participant 2 received 6 treatments, and Participant 3 received 4 treatments. The patterns of sensor activation produced when participants' tongues made contact with the electropalate during saliva swallows were compared with the patterns of age-matched peers. Individualized goals were developed on the basis of these comparisons. RESULTS: Treatment was generally effective for the established goals. Of the 3 participants, 2 met all their goals, and the 3rd participant made gains across 1 of 2 goals. Participants continued to perform above baseline levels for most targeted goals during testing 5-8 weeks posttreatment. CONCLUSION: When used in skilled treatment, EPG has potential as a means of habilitating NSOMD. It may serve as a valuable tool, providing the clinician and client with information that allows for individualized treatment planning.