THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNCTIONAL ORTHOPEDICS OF THE JAWS IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

The article “The Importance of Functional Jaw Orthopedics in Childhood” aims to analyze how functional jaw orthopedics (FJO) contributes to the proper development of the stomatognathic system in children and to the prevention of future complications related to malocclusions. This study was carried out through a bibliographic, exploratory, and qualitative research approach, gathering scientific evidence on the use of FJO in childhood. The results indicate that early intervention enables the correction of skeletal and functional imbalances, preventing the progression of alterations that could require long-term orthodontic treatments or even orthognathic surgeries in adulthood. Furthermore, FJO was shown to benefit not only masticatory, swallowing, breathing, and speech functions but also esthetic and psychosocial aspects, positively impacting the child’s quality of life. It is concluded that the inclusion of functional orthopedic evaluation in pediatric dental practice is essential for early diagnosis and the establishment of effective therapeutic protocols, reaffirming FJO as a preventive strategy and a promoter of both oral and general health.