Myofunctional Therapy
WHAT IS MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Myofunctional Therapy is an exercise program that treats disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) may affect things such as:
- Breastfeeding
- Facial skeletal growth and development
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Speech
- Occlusion (bite)
- TMJ movements
- Oral hygiene
- Orthodontic outcomes
- Facial esthetics, and more.
Myofunctional Therapy is a common treatment for children who have trouble speaking, chewing, swallowing, or breathing. Although very effective for children, it is proven that this therapy program is ideal for patients dealing with sleep apnea and or snoring issues.
Using a variety of techniques, we can strengthen the tongue muscle, stabilize the jaw, repattern oral facial muscles, and improve oral resting posture (how the tongue, teeth, and lips rest during sleep).
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Myofunctional Therapy works best for ages 5 and up. The patient must be able to understand the exercises and repeat them on their own. Patients with snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic tension (neck/shoulders/head), or those suffering from migraines, are also great candidates!
Additional Signs of Dysfunction:
Prolonged pacifer use
Thumb sucking or finger sucking
Tongue Thrust Habits
Misaligned Bite or occlusion
Crowding of teeth
Mouth resting open, mouth breathing, snoring
Chronic sinus congestion
Delayed Speech
Ear Infections
Behavior Issues or concerns
Did You Know?
When a person swallows incorrectly, the tip and/or sides of the tongue press against or spread between the teeth. This is commonly called a tongue thrust. Constant pressure from resting or incorrectly thrusting the tongue away from the hard palate may push teeth out of place. That pressure may later prevent teeth from erupting (breaking through the gum).
An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder may lead to an abnormal bite – the improper alignment between the upper and lower teeth known as malocclusion. This problem may lead to difficulties in biting, chewing, swallowing, and digesting of food.
Tongue thrust is the act of pushing the tongue against or between the teeth when swallowing.
The constant pressure of the tongue against or between the teeth will not allow the teeth to bite together. This is known as an open bite.
An improper alignment or malocclusion between the upper and lower teeth can lead to difficulties in biting and chewing food.