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Introduction: In 85% of orthodontic patients, lingual dyspraxias are present and may justify orofacial myofunctional rehabilitation because of their morphogenetic potential. The objective of this literature review is to search for scientific arguments corroborating or not the relationships between dysmorphias and the static, dynamic labio-lingual-jugal balance during functions and parafunctions., Material and Method: A review of the literature was carried out by keywords on PubMed. The search covered the period from 1913 to 2022. A complementary selection of articles or book chapters was made from the references of the included articles., Results: The morphogenetic role of the tongue is mainly involved at rest and during ventilation in all three dimensions. Oral ventilation is associated with many craniofacial dysmorphy. Concerning swallowing, phonation, non-nutritive sucking and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, it is the combined association of several anomalies that is found in dysmorphia without a causal link being established. Thus, for some, the lingual posture would only constitute an adaptation to a dysmorphia., Discussion: Essentially based on expert opinion, the level of evidence is still insufficient. The authors are confronted with the difficulty of finding adequate, quantifiable and reproducible indicators., Conclusion: This subject, which probably remains neglected because it is interdisciplinary and the result of a historically European reflection, deserves to be further studied.

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., (Copyright © 2015 CEO. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Orthodontic treatment alone, or combined with maxillo-facial surgery, can benefit from a kinesthetic therapy approach. This method of functional management, set in place as soon as the orthodontic diagnosis is made, will allow for a comprehensive therapeutic approach to patients, marked by a dialogue, between the different players involved in treatment, orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons who intelligently work in concert., (© EDP Sciences, SFODF, 2014.)

Authors mostly admit that Class III treatment has more chance of success and stability if it is carried out precociously. Their conviction is primarily based on the use of patient's growth potential. This aspect does not seem to be the main interest of early treatment. The length of the occlusal plane and its impact on mandibular movements (mastication), which can influence growth and maxillomandibular relationships, accounts or even constrains to act as soon as possible. The fundamental objective of early Class III treatment would be the reorientation of the occlusal plane and the rehabilitation of mastication would be the final goal, ensuring an active and physiological result's retention.

Almost all the disorders seen in the mixed and adult dentitions were already present in the temporary dentition. We should ask ourselves what postural and dynamic role the tongue plays in defective development of the dental arches.