Can mouth exercises close Kids' open bites?
NCT ID NCT07045779
First seen Sep 17, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are testing whether a structured program of mouth and tongue exercises, called orofacial myofunctional therapy, can improve open bite in children. The trial enrolls 33 children in early or intermediate mixed dentition, the stage when baby and adult teeth are both present. Children are assigned to a traditional therapy program, a reduced program, or a sham treatment. The study measures changes in dental occlusion, mouth muscle function, and oral health-related quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- orofacial myofunctional therapy, a structured exercise program for mouth and tongue muscles
- What this could lead to
- If it works, structured mouth-muscle therapy could offer a non-braces way to help children's open bites close and improve oral function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 33 children. The therapy may not change the bite, and results might not apply to all children or last after treatment stops.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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33 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Finished
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Jan 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of anterior open bite (AOB) * Early or intermediate mixed dentition phase Exclusion Criteria: * History of or active engagement in orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) * History of or active engagement in orthodontic therapy * Congenital abnormalities, syndromes, or surgical needs affecting the oral and maxillofacial region * Disorders affecting motor or cognitive development * Current or recent (\< 3 months) non-nutritive sucking habits
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ghent University
Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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