Myofunctional & Orthopedic ORAL applianceS
Our Philosophy
At North Star Dentistry, we understand that many common dental and airway challenges, such as tongue thrusting, atypical swallowing, poor oral posture, malocclusions, and TMJ tension originate from how the muscles and functions of the face and mouth interact. Myofunctional therapy appliances can play an important role in early interceptive care, guiding development, improving function, and supporting long-term oral health. It has proven benefits in adults as well.
A.M.C.O.P. Bio-Activators
The AMCOP Bio-Activator system consists of elastic functional orthodontic–orthopedic appliances designed to support the balanced development of the teeth, jaws, and craniofacial structures. Unlike appliances that focus on tooth alignment alone, AMCOP devices work by influencing growth patterns, neuromuscular function, and jaw posture during critical stages of development.
AMCOP Bio-Activators are used within an interceptive orthodontic and myofunctional framework to help guide proper craniofacial growth, promote harmonious jaw relationships, and support functional balance of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), muscles, and dental arches. These appliances take into account not only the upper and lower jaws, but the entire craniofacial system, recognizing that malocclusions may be influenced by broader skeletal, muscular, and postural factors.
A key principle behind AMCOP therapy is neuromuscular reconditioning.
By gently modifying mandibular posture and encouraging more favorable tongue position, swallowing patterns, and chewing function, these appliances help reduce negative muscular forces that can interfere with normal growth. This functional balance supports healthier development of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases and may contribute to improved airway function and joint stability.
Because chewing, breathing, and posture are closely interconnected, AMCOP appliances may also play a role in supporting overall functional harmony, including relationships between the jaws, TMJ, cervical spine, and posture. For this reason, treatment is often most effective when initiated early, while growth potential is still present.
AMCOP Bio-Activators are flexible, elastic devices that allow controlled expansion and remodeling of the craniofacial structures over time. Their goal is not forceful movement, but guided growth and coordination, helping teeth erupt into a more stable relationship with their supporting bone structures and creating a balanced occlusion that supports long-term oral health.
FroggyMouth
The Froggymouth device is a lightweight, passive myofunctional tool designed to re-educate tongue posture and swallow patterns with minimal active participation from the patient. Worn for a short period each day, Froggymouth interrupts dysfunctional oral habits such as tongue thrusting and encourages proper tongue elevation against the palate, which supports nasal breathing and a more physiologic swallow.
By improving these fundamental patterns of oral function, Froggymouth can enhance the stability of orthodontic outcomes and support broader functional improvements. It is compatible with other orthodontic appliances and may be incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans for children and adults.