FaceFormer therapy for children
Guidelines for parents and therapists
Children have a mind of their own and successful therapeutic work always requires individual motivation. In most cases, children undergo exercise therapy to correct behavioral patterns and functions. They are different for each child and can be adapted according to age and development. Empathy and creativity on the part of the practitioner are important qualities for this. We provide some suggestions on how children, parents and therapists can work together successfully.
Video: FaceFormer training with children
In the past, we have repeatedly received enquiries from parents and therapists about how FaceFormer therapy can ideally be carried out with children. In this video, we would like to show you some of the possibilities.
What is the FaceFormer
The FaceFormer is a therapeutic training device that is used to treat various orofacial dysfunctions. The device is made from a high-quality silicone material for medical applications, a plastic that is free from harmful substances and allergens. Use can begin at an early age and is adapted according to the child’s age and stage of development.
Use with infants and small children
The FaceFormer application can begin in early childhood and is modified depending on the child’s age and stage of development. A modified version of the FaceFormer can be used for infants and small children with feeding disorders or weaknesses. For this purpose, the membrane that lies in front of the teeth and behind the lips is adapted by cutting it to size. The suction developed during FaceFormer training creates a negative pressure in the oral cavity. The lips are activated at the membrane. This creates an important growth stimulus for the development of the palate and airways. At the same time, the functions of breathing, swallowing and body tension are built up. The tongue moves towards the palate and sucking is intensified. This establishes all the functions that are particularly important for breastfeeding and sucking.
Age-appropriate application and goals
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Up to the age of two: Passive training
Application:
- Use of a smaller FaceFormer, which is adjusted by cutting to size
- Use under supervision during the waking and sleeping phases
Goals:
- Development of swallowing and sucking movements, correct nasal breathing and body stability
- Prevention of malfunctions such as interalveolar and interlabial tongue deposits
- Promotion of mouth closure and nasal breathing
- Support with sound formation
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From the age of two: Extended passive training
Application
- Use in game situations
- Night-time use under supervision
Goals:
- Minimization of hypersalivation (salivation)
- Promoting nasal breathing
- Weaning off habits such as pacifiers, thumb sucking or pulling in the lower lip
- Functionally appropriate training of coordinated basic functions
- Development of physiological pressure/flow conditions in naso-/oro-/pharyngeal functional areas
- Supporting speech development and sound formation
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From the age of three: Combined active and passive training
Application
- Application in playing situations
- 2-3 times a day in training sessions
- Start with 5-8 exercise repetitions, increase slowly
- Night-time use under supervision
Goals:
- Orofacial training for the causal correction of eating, drinking, swallowing, breathing and speaking disorders
- Correction of misaligned teeth and jaws
- Automation of physiological movement patterns during breathing and swallowing (basic functions)
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From the age of four: Active training
Application
- 2-3 times a day, starting with 5-8 repetitions
- Increase to 20-40 repetitions per unit
- Night-time use
Goals:
- Orofacial training for the causal correction of eating, drinking, swallowing, breathing and speaking disorders
- Correction of misaligned teeth and jaws
- Automation of physiological movement patterns during breathing and swallowing (basic functions)
A successful start to active training
To make it easier for children to start regular FaceFormer training, we recommend starting with a reduced range of exercises during the first two weeks. Exercise therapy is initially started 3 times a day with 5 repetitions of the basic exercise and 5 repetitions of the pulling exercise. In the 3rd and 4th week, the training intensity is increased to 10 basic exercises and 10 pulling exercises. From the 5th week, the training program is completed 3 times a day with 20 basic exercises and 20 pulling exercises.
|
Entry into the exercise program |
Advanced level |
Complete training program |
|---|---|---|
|
Day 1-14 3 x daily |
Day 15-28 3 x daily |
Remaining therapy time 3 x daily |
|
5 x basic exercise 5 x pulling exercise |
10 x basic exercise 10 x pulling exercise nightly application |
20 x basic exercise 20 x pulling exercise nightly application |
Practical implementation of training with children
When training with children, it is important to take a playful approach and design the exercises in an age-appropriate way.
Important notes
Parents and therapists should bear in mind that every child reacts individually to therapy. It is important to proceed patiently and sensitively and to adapt the exercises to the child’s needs and abilities. Regular practice and consistent application are crucial for the success of the therapy.
For special applications and questions, we recommend that you contact experienced and certified FaceFormer therapists directly for FaceFormer therapy. They can provide further assistance and adapt the therapy to your individual needs.
More about motivation and join-in training for children
Motivation in everyday practice – how young children learn the FaceFormer exercises
For FaceFormer therapy to be successful, it is very important to carry out FaceFormer training regularly. This is especially true for younger children. It is therefore particularly important to motivate the children to co-operate.
FaceFormer training with children – five rounds of exercises
Playful FaceFormer training for children: In this join-in video, the basic exercise is performed 5 times and the pulling exercise 5 times together with the therapist. An ideal aid for parents and therapists to motivate the little ones.
Further information
For further information on the FaceFormer, the therapy and the various application options, please visit the FaceFormer product homepage. There you will find a lot of information and detailed explanations that will help you to better understand and successfully carry out FaceFormer training.
