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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sleep Sci 2025; 18(03): e358-e364
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1808071
Case Report

The Impact of Functional Jaw Orthopedics on Sleep-Related Breathing and Sleep-Related Bruxism: Case Series Study

Denise Fernandes Barbosa 
1   School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
,
Almiro José Machado Júnior 
1   School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
2   Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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Funding Source The author(s) stated that they received funding from CAPES and DFB & Associados Ltda.
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Abstract

Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) in children can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adulthood and sleep-related bruxism (SRB). Neuro occlusal rehabilitation and functional jaw orthopedics (NOR-FJO) show promise in addressing SRBDs and SRB to prevent OSA progression. However, consistent evidence for managing these conditions in children is lacking, highlighting the need for early intervention to mitigate long-term complications. The present article explores NOR-FJO's effects in preventing SRBDs and their progression to OSA. We report two cases of brothers with SRBD and SRB and the case of their father with OSA. The brothers, who had overjet and overbite, were treated with NOR-FJO. The third patient had a similar history in childhood, without treatment, and developed OSA, subsequently treated with a mandibular advancement device (MAD). Timely intervention for SRBDs is essential in preventing long-term health complications, and understanding treatment strategies is crucial for early intervention.

Keywords

obstructive sleep apnea - sleep bruxism - mouth rehabilitation - orthopedics - growth and development

Patient Perspective

The patients reported positive perceptions of the treatments they received. They emphasized that, in addition to significantly improving facial aesthetics, the treatment played a crucial role in shaping their oral structure, providing better breathing conditions, and enhancing sleep quality. While the treatment was not the only possible intervention, the patients highlighted that it was extremely important in improving their initial conditions and bringing about positive changes in their lives.


One of the most valued aspects by the patients was the improvement in respiratory functions, which resulted in an enhanced quality of life, with fewer episodes of bruxism and nocturnal mouth breathing. These advancements contributed to an overall sense of wellbeing and significantly reduced symptoms associated with SRBDs.


The patients also noted that the treatment improved their physical health and positively impacted on their confidence and satisfaction with their facial appearance. The personalized treatment approach was recognized as a key factor in the positive outcomes, with the patient's expressing gratitude for the opportunity to avoid potential complications arising from untreated SRBDs.


Ethics Statement

We declare that the patients and family approved the study by signing informed consent forms.




Publication History

Received: 18 August 2024

Accepted: 18 February 2025

Article published online:
16 September 2025

© 2025. Brazilian Sleep Academy. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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