PMC3808727_01
Pretreatment palatographic analysis showing impression material smeared over the maxillary and mandibular anteriors indicating abnormal tongue posture during swallowing.
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Functional examination suggested that she had tongue thrusting habit which was confirmed by palatography (Figure 3) (palatography involves recording the contact surface of the tongue with the palate and teeth while the patient produces speech sounds such as S or while swallowing).
pre-treatment cephalogram showing low positioning of tongue at rest position.
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The abnormal position of the tongue was also confirmed by tracing the pretreatment lateral cephalogram (Figure 4).
Palatographic analysis six months after the placement of HHCA showing impression material smeared over the maxillary rugae area missing the crown of the incisors indicating that the patient has attained a somatic swallow.
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Functional examination showed that the patient had changed her swallowing from an infantile to mature pattern, which was confirmed by palatography (Figure 5).
Cephalogram after 6 months of HHCA therapy showing low positioning of tongue at rest position.
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The dorsal part of the tongue was resting on the palate and the tip was place behind the upper incisor in the area of the incisive papilla (Figure 6).