Abstract
PURPOSE: To map orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention programs developed for adults undergoing orthognathic surgery. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Search of Cochrane, EMBASE, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as gray literature. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included studies addressing therapeutic programs and myofunctional exercises and their influence on the stomatognathic system of adults undergoing orthognathic surgery, without time or language limitations. Secondary studies, populations under 18 years old, and comorbidities associated with dentofacial deformities were excluded. DATA ANALYSIS: Two reviewers extracted data comprising different topics, especially the assessment process, orofacial and cervical myofunctional intervention, and identification of intervention outcomes. RESULTS: Five studies were considered eligible. They were published between 2006 and 2018, with participants aged 19 to 31, predominantly females, and used postoperative guidelines consisting of isometric, isotonic, postural, and functional exercises, as well as tactile-kinesthetic and thermal stimulation, with a positive emphasis on functional improvement of the stomatognathic system. CONCLUSION: These studies addressed the application of orofacial myofunctional therapy after orthognathic surgery. The interventions, not yet validated, involved specific protocols of postural and functional exercises and tactile-kinesthetic and thermal stimulation. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the performance of orofacial functions, enhanced subjective perception of oral health, and improvements in muscle tone and mobility of orofacial structures. Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an important approach in postoperative rehabilitation of the stomatognathic system.