Effects of the castillo-morales stimulating plate on social competency of children with orofacial muscle dysfunction

Of Children With Orofacial Muscle Dysfunction The aim of this study was to improve functional problems of disabled children with orofacial muscle dysfunctions by Castillo-Morales palatal plate therapy and to evaluate its effects on the social competency of these children in 12 months period. The study was conducted with 35 children aged between 4?10 years. Functional alterations of children who accepted the therapy were assessed according to Oreland criteria at baseline, 6 th and12 th months. 20 children who accepted the therapy and 15 children who refused the therapy were assessed comparatively for social competence by Nisonger CBRF in order to evaluate the effects of therapy.The development of facial expression was determined by photographs taken at baseline and at the end of therapy. The analysis of oral functions and social competency results was carried out statistically with Wilcoxon Sign Ranks and McNemar Tests. At the end of treatment period which Castillo-Morales appliance was used 3?4 hours daily for 12 months, statistically positive significance was found in all orofacial muscle dysfunction parameters (p<0,05). As a result of Nisonger CBRF evaluation, it was concluded that the children of the study group were more compatible and they showed earlier socialization while the control group showed more problem behaviors.The adaptation of parents and teachers described that parents? ratings were higher than teachers in terms of adaptive social and problem behavior assesments for both groups but teachers? ratings were more steady in time. In addition to improvement of orofacial muscle dysfunctions and positive change in facial expression, the evaluation of Nisonger CBRF showed that Castillo-Morales palatal plate had a positive role in social competence of disabled children with orofacial muscle dysfunctions. Keywords: Castillo-Morales, Orofacial Muscle Dysfunction, Social Competency