Motor learning might contribute to a therapeutic anterior shift of the habitual mandibular position—An exploratory study

Background Passive mandibular advancement with functional appliances is commonly used to treat juvenile patients retrognathism. Objective The aim of this study was investigate whether active repetitive training the mandible into an anterior position would result in a shift habitual (HMP). Methods Twenty adult healthy subjects were randomly assigned one two groups: group receiving six supervised sessions 10 min each and control without training. Bonded lateral biteplates disengaged occlusion among both groups throughout 15-day experiment. Customised registration-training consisted maxillary component plane attached metal sphere. Training repeated mouth-opening/closing cycles (frequency: 30/min) hit anteriorly positioned hemispherical target notch HMP registered at defined times during Results showed statistically significant 1.6 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2 mm), compared posterior −0.8 (IQR: 2.8 mm) (p < .05). Although partial relapse 4 days after first block, it then advanced slightly 4-day interval second which might indicate neuroplasticity masticatory motor system. Conclusions Motor learning by help improve results appliance therapy