Dental News - Dental devices raise hope for facial rehabilitation

Daniel Zimmermann, DTI

Wed. 11 May 2011

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NEW YORK, NY, USA: A facial exercise programme involving devices used by dentists has shown prospects for the rehabilitation of facial nerve damage. Developed by researchers at the Washington State University Spokane in the US, the treatment uses an Oral Performance Instrument, a device associated with measuring tongue strength in patients with swallowing disorders, and the so-called Perry appliance to increase the strength of impaired facial muscle regions.

The custom-made device, consisting of a tape measure attached to a whitening tray, measured the progress in the rehabilitation programme. After seven weeks of intensive and 16 weeks of moderate strength exercises, the therapy showed significant increase in all four impaired muscle regions proving that facial muscle weakness can be improved even years after the injury, the researchers said.

Facial nerve defects often occur following trauma, infection or facial surgery. Patients suffering from the condition lose temporary control of the muscles that, for example, enable them to smile, frown or control saliva glands. In 10 to 20 per cent of cases, the damage can result in partial or total paralysis of the facial muscles.

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