1st International Congress of the National Association of JFO Russia

OCTOBER 2-3, 2026

Almaty, Kazakhstan

14th IFUNA MEETING

OCTOBER 4, 2026

Almaty, Kazakhstan

This presentation repositions malocclusion not as a simple dental problem, but as a symptom of craniofacial functional imbalances that are most effectively corrected during a child's active development. By intervening during these critical growth periods, Jaw Functional Orthopedics allows us to guide the development of the jaw bones themselves, achieving true orthopedic correction instead of later dental camouflage. Through clinical case studies featuring functional diagnosis, we will provide definitive evidence of this skeletal and muscular adaptation, demonstrating that early intervention leads to more stable, functional, and holistic health outcomes.

The oral structure of patients with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) affects key functions: breathing, sucking, swallowing, chewing, and speech. Through collaboration between an orthodontist and a speech therapist, it is possible to change not only oral functions but also the child's phenotype, thereby improving the quality of life for the child and their family.
We will discuss the methods and timeframes for correction, as well as future treatment options.

Topic: "Open bite: Genetics or epigenetics?" Anthropological aspects of the evolution of the maxillofacial region. Industrialization and its effects on the growth and development of the visceral part of the skull. Epigenetic factors of open bite. Clinical examples of correcting pathological bite.

In medicine and dental fields, all problems are suggested to be treated early. However, when the issue is treatment of malocclusions, nearly all patients are suggested to wait for begenning treatment. We would like to discuss this dilemma with the participants, to see if early treatment is a good choise or waiting is a better decision

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1. Step-by-step algorithm of the author's protocol for treating TMJ dysfunction - from diagnosis to stabilization of the result.
2. The key concept of tricentric interaction is the basis for planning occlusion and creating stable structures.
3. Analysis of a complex clinical case with a demonstration of a protocol that combines data from instrumental diagnostics of the TMJ and clinical implementation using JFO appliances.
4. Criteria for the effective use of JFO appliances in comprehensive gnathic rehabilitation.

This conference is based on recent literature and clinical cases that support the use of JFO in adults. The main idea of the conference is to present the changes in condylar positioning in adults and their TMJ physiology, such as those that occur in Therapeutic Posture Change (TPC) and in clinical cases with changes in the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion.
A JFO can be used to provide functional balance in adults in the articular, muscular, and bone structures.

The relationship between the main blocks of health, the Guthard triangle. Joint management of patients by an interdisciplinary team of specialists, experience in managing patients in the clinic. Interaction between an orthodontist, an osteopath, a nutritionist, and other specialists. Comprehensive, integrative care for patients.

Clinical cases of JFO treatment of children and adults with posture disorders. The use of removable JFO appliances, with proper diagnosis of postural balance, determines the appliance's design. In the future, such treatment leads not only to changes in the jawbones and the position of the Mandible, but also to the alignment of posture, improving the balance of not only the spine, but also the internal organs and the emotional sphere. Also, the need to identify ascending dysfunctions helps to accelerate the process of functional treatment and avoid future relapses.

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Abstract

Craniofacial Functional Medicine (CFM) is a clinical concept built on a simple but often overlooked observation: what orthodontists, pediatricians, speech therapists and other clinicians diagnose and treat as separate conditions often represent different expressions of the same underlying dysfunction. The "long face" phenotype, altered craniofacial growth, mouth breathing, symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, recurrent upper airway complaints, and dysfunctional orofacial patterns frequently cluster together as one interconnected entity—best understood as an upper airway inflammation–dysfunction spectrum with craniofacial consequences.

CFM was developed to support earlier recognition, shared definitions, and systematic clinical action in this complex field. It proposes functional phenotyping and a structured protocol that connects nasal and airway function, breathing mechanics, sleep physiology, orofacial myofunction, mandibular position and neuromuscular coordination, posture regulation, and broader systemic drivers that extend well beyond the craniofacial area. This naturally requires an integrated team model and a functional medicine–oriented clinical mindset.

A key practical component of the CFM approach is intra-oral therapy, with a special emphasis on intra-oral proprioception—how sensory input from occlusion, tongue posture and oral appliances can be intentionally leveraged to support motor re-patterning, interdisciplinary carryover, and long-term stability.

Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO) is a dental
specialty that corrects imbalances in the growth of craniofacial structures, focusing on the harmonious development of the stomatognathic system (mouth, muscles, bones) using different types of therapeutics that stimulate the correct execution of natural functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech. It is ideal for early treatment in children, but also treats adults with malocclusions, TMJ pain, and sleep apnea, addressing the functional cause before aesthetics.
It acts on the functional cause, stimulating the body to self-correct, which can generate more stable long-term results and improve quality of life.

We will discuss deeply how JFO can act since birth to death.

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Early Treatment of Class III Casses With Jaw FunctionalOrthopedics
Early treatment of all Malocclusions provides good results with stability and helps restore self-esteem, while preventing the growth of the problem with the growing child. Although there are several treatment modalities that can be used, Jaw Functional Orthopedics (JFO) offers gentle, painless, intraoral treatment modality that stimulates bones and soft tissues utilizing neuro-occlusal stimulation. Since early treatment of Class III problems are highly recommended in the actual literature, we will discuss what JFO has to offer us for this problem at any age group.The beauty of JFO enables personalized treatment plans for the unique requirements of each individual

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Sports dentistry increasingly relies on the use of medical devices designed to optimize function, protection, and performance. However, excellence in this field cannot be limited to functional effectiveness alone, but must be grounded in scientific validation and standardized protocols.
This lecture addresses the process of clinical prescription, technical design, clinical use, and validation of medical devices in sports dentistry, with particular focus on the transition from functional concepts to outcomes supported by scientific evidence. Clinical experience, digital workflows, material selection, and validation methods are integrated into a structured approach aimed at quality and clinical excellence

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Abstract: "Functional Orthopedics for Adult Patients 30+ and TMJ Problems" Relevance of the Problem: Modern dental practice is seeing a significant increase in the number of patients aged 30 and older seeking orthodontic treatment and aesthetic prosthetics. Their motivation is often not only to improve their appearance but also to restore lost teeth. However, by this age, many already have early or advanced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which often remains undiagnosed. Ignoring these problems during treatment planning can lead to worsening symptoms, chipped restorations, chronic pain, and failure of the entire rehabilitation plan. Therefore, integrating the principles of functional orthopedics into the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients is becoming critically important.

Objective: To substantiate the need for a comprehensive diagnosis of TMJ pathology in patients aged 30+ and present an algorithm for its solution using functional orthopedic methods within an interdisciplinary approach.
Objectives and topic coverage:
1. Initial consultation: what to look for (Key "red flags")
2. Diagnosis: identifying and analyzing TMJ problems
3. The influence of occlusal pathology on the development of TMJ pathology
4. Unilateral chewing: a habit or a forced action?
5. Do TMJ problems always lead to pain?
6. Possible (hidden) causes of TMJ pathology
7. Treatment methods for adult patients (Functional orthopedics)
8. Stabilization and prevention
9. An interdisciplinary approach is the key to success
Treating an adult patient with TMJ problems requires coordinated teamwork: 
Conclusion: In patients aged 30+, aesthetic needs are inseparable from the functional health of the dental system. Timely diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction during the planning stage of orthodontic or orthopedic treatment using the principles of functional orthopedics is the key to long-term success, stable results, and the prevention of complications. An interdisciplinary approach allows not only to eliminate symptoms but also to identify and address the underlying cause of the problem.

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