Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based treatment modality used to correct the improper function of the tongue and facial muscles. It involves strengthening and retraining the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to engage the muscles and positioning them to the appropriate resting spot. Myofunctional therapy improves the quality of breathing, sleeping, eating, and speaking.
Therapy is personalized and tailored to your needs. It is carefully structured with each session progressively building on the one before it. Treatment starts with improving oral and facial muscle strength, and then retraining proper muscle function (i.e. swallowing, eating, speech, tongue-tie, sleep apnea exercises, depending on your symptoms).
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial myofunctional disorders are disorders of the muscles involving the face and mouth. OMDs may have a direct and/or indirect affect on breathing, sleeping, chewing, swallowing, digestion, speech, facial development, posture, oral hygiene, jaw joint (TMJ) movement, dental occlusion, and stability of orthodontic treatment.
Four Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Lip Seal
Our lips should rest together naturally and comfortably. It promotes healthy nasal breathing and lowers your chances of getting tooth decay and gum disease caused by dry mouth from mouth breathing.
Nasal Breathing
Our bodies are designed to breathe solely through our nose. Nasal breathing filters and warms the air we breathe and is less stressful to the body than mouth breathing.
Proper Tongue Position
The entire tongue should be resting on the roof of the mouth and acts as a natural expander, allowing more space for our teeth to come in straighter. It also allows the face to grow and develop to its full potential.
Correct Swallowing Pattern
If your tongue pushes forward when you swallow, then you have a tongue thrust swallowing pattern. This makes you swallow small amounts of air causing digestive issues such as stomach aches, gas, acid reflux, etc.