Orthodontic World Institute

14/09/2026

🎓 **Celebrating the success of the new MFS Therapists in Poland and a remarkable jubilee**
Yesterday marked the official conclusion of the MFS modular training program in Poland (editions IX and XX). The event was held under the overall leadership and supervision of **MFS Ambassador Monika Ośko, DDS**, with lectures and training conducted by **Dr Mira Rządzka** and **Arleta Czuchryta-Kamińska, MSc**.
It was a truly exceptional day for our entire academic community, as the diploma presentation coincided with the **80th birthday of the founder of the MFS concept, Prof. Jose Duran von Arx.** 🎂🎈
Although Professor Duran was in Barcelona, all participants sent him warm wishes through a commemorative group photo. In return, Prof. Duran sends his warmest regards to everyone!
**Official results and certification:**
* **52 participants** fulfilled all formal requirements—successfully completing case analyses, intermediate tests, and the final exam—earning the prestigious title of **MFS Orthodontic Function Therapist**, awarded by the **Orthodontic World Institute** in Barcelona.
* As highlighted by the instructors, the quality of the submitted case studies in diagnosis, therapy, and clinical application of MFS stimulators demonstrated exceptional professional depth and maturity.
🏆 **Distinctions for outstanding case studies (12 recipients), including the top placements:**
🥇 **1st Place (100% exam score):** Dr Katarzyna Zatorska-Jasińska
🥈 **2nd Place (ex aequo):** Magdalena Brandt, MSc & Klaudia Kawałek, MSc
🥉 **3rd Place (ex aequo):** Dr Celestyna Bęben-Cybulska & Beata Nedwidek, MSc
We sincerely thank all participants for their high evaluation scores and positive feedback.
We welcome all graduates to the international MFS family and wish them continued success in their clinical practice. 💙
*On behalf of Prof. Jose Duran von Arx, Dr. Mira Rządzka, and Arleta Czuchryta-Kamińska, MSc,*
**Monika Ośko, DDS**
*MFS Ambassador*

21/08/2026

23 years since a publication that helped define the functional philosophy of MFS.

In 2003, Prof. José Durán von Arx and Prof. Josep Mª Ustrell Torrent published:

“Técnica MFS. Diagnóstico de la matriz funcional: codificación”
in Ortodoncia Clínica.

At a time when orthodontic diagnosis was still largely focused on morphology, aesthetics and cephalometric measurements, the authors emphasized that these parameters alone were not sufficient to fully understand the patient.

They proposed a structured approach to the diagnosis of the functional matrix, including the assessment and codification of:

• nasal function and nostril collapse during forced inspiration,
• tongue mobility and tongue position,
• lingual frenulum attachment,
• tongue size,
• tonsillar hypertrophy,
• adenoid hypertrophy,
• swallowing patterns,
• muscular function and activity.

Importantly, the aim was not only to identify functional alterations, but also to objectify them and monitor changes during treatment and myofunctional re-education.

The authors concluded that the codification of nostril function, tongue mobility, tonsillar hypertrophy and adenoid hypertrophy constituted one of the foundations of the MFS philosophy.

Twenty-three years later, the importance of functional diagnosis is even more evident.

Today, increasing attention is being paid to nasal breathing, tongue function, upper-airway conditions, swallowing patterns and their relationship with craniofacial development, sleep and orthodontic treatment.

Functional problems that were once considered secondary are increasingly becoming an important part of interdisciplinary diagnosis.

This is why the concept presented by Durán and Ustrell in 2003 has not lost its relevance. On the contrary — as our understanding of the relationship between function, breathing and craniofacial development continues to grow, the need for structured functional assessment becomes even more important.

2003–2026 | 23 years of functional diagnosis within the MFS philosophy.

José Durán von Arx, Josep Mª Ustrell Torrent
Técnica MFS. Diagnóstico de la matriz funcional: codificación.
Ortodoncia Clínica. 2003;6(3):138–140.

30/06/2026

The MFS philosophy principles were presented last weekend by Ambassador Monika Ośko. At the invitation of the Magnus Group, she represented the University of Barcelona and the Orthodontics World Institute as a lecturer and moderator at the international conference "International Conference on Advanced Pulmonology, Respiratory Medicine & Lung Health," held in Barcelona.
In the context of upper airway health, she presented the MFS concept, clinical cases from her own practice, and the results of scientific research conducted in cooperation with the Wrocław Medical University.
A clear theme resonating across many presentations was that modern medicine is increasingly turning toward prevention, supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms, and identifying the root causes of diseases. The scientific panels addressed key topics, including the nose as the first line of immunological defense and the critical importance of nasal breathing, the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, as well as new threats to respiratory health posed by climate change. It was highly emphasized that functional diagnostics of the upper respiratory tract still receive too little attention, and restoring the nasal breathing pathway should be a key priority in preventive healthcare.
The presentation was met with high acclaim from the medical community, including congratulations from Dr. Pedro Plans Rubio of the College of Physicians of Barcelona. Great support for the event was also shown by Prof. Jose Duran Von Arx. Although he could not attend the conference in person due to health reasons as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation, he closely followed and championed the entire presentation.

09/02/2026

24/12/2025

Warmest Christmas wishes from Barcelona Orthodontics World Institute.

10/11/2025

Breath • Tongue • Muscles • Sensory integration • Homeostasis

The oral cavity is a sensorimotor hub. Via the trigeminal nerve (V) it interacts with:
• VII (facial/lips), IX–X (pharynx, swallowing, airway reflexes), XII (tongue).
• III & IV (oculomotor, trochlear) contribute to gaze and head-posture control, which can indirectly influence orofacial function and airway route.

MFS-based stimulotherapy (hierarchy: nasal breathing → tongue-to-palate rest posture → swallowing → lip/mandible control) may help organize sensorimotor inputs, support neuroplasticity, and promote physiological balance/homeostasis. Reported benefits include improved orofacial function; potential cognitive effects (e.g., attention, learning) are plausible but require further study.

22/09/2025

Last Sunday in Wrocław we concluded the 17th and 18th editions of the modular training based on the MFS philosophy.

68 participants started, 64 completed the full cycle, and 59 earned the title of MFS Functional Orthodontic Therapist after meeting all requirements: completing the modules, passing two exams (intermediate and final), and submitting a case-study assignment. The title is conferred by the Orthodontic World Institute in Barcelona, founded by Prof. José Durán, within the program led by MFS Ambassador Dr. Monika Ośko.

Graduates leave with evidence-based MFS protocols and clinical skills aligned with the MFS hierarchy of functions and diagnostics. The training also covers the clinical use of MFS stimulators, which have demonstrated high effectiveness in treating orofacial functional disorders, with documented cases showing improvement and even resolution of malocclusions and skeletal discrepancies.

Lecturers: Prof. José Durán; Monika Ośko (Master in Orthodontics); Arleta Czuchryta, M.A. (Clinical Neurologopedist); Mira Rządzka, PhD (Health Sciences) (Neurologopedist).

The awards ceremony was highlighted by a lecture from Prof. Durán about his professional journey and passions. Diplomas were presented by Helena Durán (Director, Orthodontic World Institute), Prof. José Durán, Monika Ośko (MFS Ambassador), and Arleta Czuchryta (lecturer).

Participants included dentists and orthodontists, with the largest group comprised of speech therapists and neurologopedists.
We congratulate the best results, which confirm the high level of preparation:
• 1st place – Sandra Fira-Wasążnik
• 2nd place – Marta Wróblewska
• 3rd place – Krzysztof Bieniek

Honourable mentions: Anna Burzyńska, Maria Hensel-Mańkowska, Katarzyna Furmańczyk, Diana Kuczyńska-Kiełbasa, Michalina Pluszczewicz, Izabela Rudnik.

Thank you to all participants for your commitment and hard work. Congratulations on earning your qualifications — we wish you continued success in clinical practice.

13/09/2025

📢 Today we have exciting news and a wonderful occasion to celebrate!

Our preprint has just been published on Research Square:
Innovative Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) as Adjunct Therapy in Ankyloglossia Management.

This is a truly interdisciplinary publication, with contributions from:
👩‍⚕️ Monika Ośko – first author, MFS Ambassador, University of Barcelona
👩‍⚕️ Dr. Mira Rządzka and Msc Arleta Czuchryta-Kamińska – speech-language pathologists, adding a unique clinical perspective (Wrocław Medical University, Centro Medico NZOZ Łużyckie, Lubań, Poland)
🧑‍⚕️ Prof. Marcin Mikulewicz (Wrocław Medical University, Poland)
👨‍🏫 Prof. Maria Cristina Manzanares Céspedes and Prof. Meritxell Sánchez Molins (University of Barcelona, Spain)

In this article, we emphasize that effective post-frenotomy care is not limited to surgery itself, but must be grounded in functional re-education – in line with the philosophy of MFS, created by Prof. José Durán von Arx. He has long highlighted the central role of restoring proper functions (breathing, swallowing, tongue resting posture) in preventing relapse and supporting healthy craniofacial growth.

Our findings confirm that MRT + MFS support soft tissue remodeling, improve tongue mobility and strength, and may reduce the risk of scar formation after frenotomy.

🎂 Today is also special because Prof. Durán – the founder of the MFS philosophy – is celebrating his birthday! A perfect moment to honor both his vision and the outcomes of international collaboration.

👉 You can access the full article via QR code or DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7585789/v1

04/09/2025

✨ Today we are sharing an example of a final case report prepared by one of the participants of the MFS Modular Training (Edition XVIII).

👦 The case:
An 8-year-old boy presenting with multiple challenges in orofacial functions, including breathing, chewing and swallowing, as well as postural issues and parafunctions. Therapy was planned and conducted according to the hierarchy of orofacial motor functions defined in the MFS philosophy.

🔎 Functional MFS diagnosis revealed:
▪️ Impaired nasal breathing, with increased chest movements
▪️ Enlarged tonsils and adenoids affecting airway patency
▪️ Inefficient chewing with open mouth and food retention in the cheeks
▪️ Reduced tongue mobility

💡 Therapeutic approach:
Intervention was structured in 3 phases, combining MFS stimulators with interdisciplinary care (ENT consultation, adenotonsillectomy, functional training).

📈 After only 10 weeks of therapy, remarkable changes were observed:
👉 Improved nasal breathing during day and night
👉 Removal of adenoids enhanced airway patency
👉 Better lip posture and symmetry
👉 Noticeable improvement in body posture (shoulders, head position, rotation)
👉 Increased overbite and more efficient chewing with closed lips
👉 Child more engaged and aware during breathing and chewing exercises

🙌 The greatest improvements were achieved in breathing, chewing and body posture, confirming the effectiveness of MFS philosophy and the value of consistent interdisciplinary intervention.

This case report illustrates the high quality of work prepared within the MFS Modular Training – structured, clear, and clinically meaningful. 🌍 It also demonstrates how quickly function-based therapy can bring visible functional and aesthetic changes in children.

30/06/2025

With deep sadness that I have received the news of Professor John Mew’s passing. Since we first met at the orthodontic congress in Buffalo in 2006, we have shared many common ideas and a similar perspective on the importance of biological functions in craniofacial development. Over the years, we met regularly at IFUNA conferences, and in 2010, I had the honor of inviting Professor Mew to lecture at the Barcelona University and at the Orthodontic World Institute. There is no doubt about the enormous impact he had on raising awareness of how functions — nasal breathing, tongue posture, and muscular balance — shape the growth and health of the craniofacial complex. A particularly significant aspect of his concept was promoting forward mandibular growth as a way not only to improve facial profile but also to enlarge the airway and enhance breathing function, which plays a crucial role in the treatment of Class II malocclusions. His concepts, although regarded by the orthodontic community as experimental and controversial, undoubtedly opened new perspectives and inspired many professionals to look at facial development in a more holistic and functional way. He will remain an important and symbolic figure in the history of the functional approach to craniofacial development.

I memory of Prof John Mew
Profesor Jose Duran von Arx