A tongue positioning appliance should be chosen according to the function you need to work on and the type of device being offered. A prefabricated appliance, an exercise tool and a custom orthodontic appliance serve different purposes. Before comparing prices, clarify the goal, the wearing instructions and the follow-up involved.
Understanding the different types of appliance
| Device | Its role | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated tongue retraining appliance | A moulded appliance available in a range of sizes | Fit, suitability and wearing instructions |
| Exercise device | A tool for a specific active exercise | Movement, resistance, frequency and instructions |
| Custom orthodontic appliance | A device selected and fitted as part of a treatment | The orthodontic goal and review appointments |
| Retainer or bruxism splint | Maintaining a treatment result or protecting the teeth, depending on the indication | These are not equivalent to tongue retraining appliances |
A product name alone does not explain what an appliance does. Ask what the device is intended to achieve in your case and how that outcome will be assessed.
What studies show about prefabricated appliances
Prefabricated myofunctional appliances have been studied mainly in children, for specific indications and under professional supervision. A review of randomised trials reported dental effects compared with no treatment, but less favourable results than custom functional appliances on several measures. Papageorgiou et al., 2019
The French review by Amat and Tran Lu Y highlights the limited quality of many studies and reports adverse effects, including changes in tooth inclination and discomfort. These findings do not guarantee the same outcome for every product sold online. Amat and Tran Lu Y, 2023
None of the studies cited here tested a Myoforce product. Findings about a category of appliances do not directly validate an individual commercial model.
Five points to check before choosing
- The need: resting posture, active exercise, swallowing or another goal established during an assessment.
- The fit: age, dentition, size and any existing orthodontic treatment or retainer.
- The instructions: when and how long to use the product in your circumstances.
- The follow-up: who will check use, comfort and progress?
- The limits: when should you stop using it or seek advice?
A promise of straight teeth, a transformed face or avoiding orthodontic treatment is not a reliable basis for choosing an appliance. If you do not understand the device's role in your programme, ask for clarification before using it.
MyoForce and MyoTrain: two different products
The Myoforce tongue retraining appliance is a standard moulded appliance priced at €50. It differs from MyoTrain, a tongue exercise device priced at €20.
These products are not intended to be interchangeable with a retainer, a bruxism splint or an appliance prescribed for sleep apnoea. Show the chosen model to the professional supporting you and have the appropriate instructions checked.
Night-time wear and care: follow the instructions
A device marketed for the tongue is not automatically intended for overnight wear. Wearing times, duration and cleaning must follow its own instructions and take your circumstances into account. Do not borrow instructions from another device simply because it looks similar.
If you experience pain, injury or an unusual change in how your teeth meet, stop wearing the device and have it checked. Our guide to the nocturnal lingual envelope explains why the word “nocturnal” alone does not define a treatment.
For questions about sizes or product information, contact Myoforce before choosing.
Sources and approach
- Papageorgiou et al., 2019. Systematic review and meta-analysis of prefabricated myofunctional appliances.
- Amat and Tran Lu Y, 2023. Systematic review of treatment with prefabricated myofunctional appliances.
- Homem et al., 2014. Systematic review of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics.
Written by Dr Vladimir Khourda, a dentist who is no longer practising. Updated on 1 October 2026 using the references cited. This information does not replace an individual assessment.