What is myofunctional therapy?
Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a program of mouth and facial exercises used to treat incorrect patterns of muscle functions used for swallowing, breathing, and chewing.
Myofunctional therapy helps to create lasting healthy habits that help to create a harmonious relationship between the muscles of the face, mouth and throat. When working together properly, these muscles allow you to optimally breathe, chew, swallow and speak.
Myofunctional therapy can benefit both children and adults who are experiencing affects of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). OMDs are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth and may affect breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, TMJ movement, stability of orthodontic treatment, and facial esthetics.
What is myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a program of mouth and facial exercises used to treat incorrect patterns of muscle functions used for swallowing, breathing, and chewing.
Myofunctional therapy helps to create lasting healthy habits that help to create a harmonious relationship between the muscles of the face, mouth and throat. When working together properly, these muscles allow you to optimally breathe, chew, swallow and speak.
Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy can benefit both children and adults who are experiencing affects of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). OMDs are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth and may affect breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, TMJ movement, stability of orthodontic treatment, and facial esthetics.
What are the goals of myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy works by restoring proper function to the muscles of the mouth and face. The primary goals of myofunctional therapy are nasal breathing, a complete lip seal, proper tongue posture, and correct swallowing pattern. When these four goals are achieved, symptoms of OMDs decrease dramatically.
Nasal Breathing
Breathing through the nose is the way we are supposed to breathe. It filters, warms, and adds moisture to air. Healthy nitric oxide is released when you breathe through your nose.
Proper Tongue Position
The tongue is supposed to fill up the entire roof of the mouth. When it does, it provides a support structure for the upper jaw which allows the teeth to grow in straighter and assists in proper facial development.
Lip Seal
Our lips should rest naturally and comfortably together. When your mouth is closed, you sleep better at night and have a lower risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Proper Swallowing Pattern
A proper swallow pattern prevents air from entering the stomach when you eat or drink, which can cause digestive issues such as acid reflux, stomach pain, gas, and bloating.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders can present in many different ways and cause a variety of symptoms that impact daily life. Click the links below for self assessment checklists to determine if your symptoms could be related to an OMD.
What are the goals of myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy works by restoring proper function to the muscles of the mouth and face. The primary goals of myofunctional therapy are nasal breathing, a complete lip seal, proper tongue posture, and correct swallowing pattern. When these four goals are achieved, symptoms of OMDs decrease dramatically.
Nasal
Breathing
Lip
Seal
Proper
Tongue Position
Correct
Swallowing Pattern
Breathing through the nose is the way we are supposed to breathe. It filters, warms, and adds moisture to air. Healthy nitric oxide is released when you breathe through your nose.
Our lips should rest naturally and comfortably together. When your mouth is closed, you sleep better at night and have a lower risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
The tongue is supposed to fill up the entire roof of the mouth. When it does, it provides a support structure for the upper jaw which allows the teeth to grow in straighter and assists in proper facial development.
A proper swallow pattern prevents air from entering the stomach when you eat or drink, which can cause digestive issues such as acid reflux, stomach pain, gas, and bloating.
What are the signs and symptoms of OMDs?
Click on the links below to learn more.
Mouth Breathing
Sleep Disordered Breathing
TMJ/Facial Pain
Oral Habits
Orthodontic Relapse
Tongue Posture/ Tongue Thrust
Upper Airway Resistance
Tongue Tie
Getting started is easy!
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Schedule a time to connect with one of our therapists to determine whether a myofunctional therapy program is right for you.
EVALUATION
During your evaluation, your therapist will perform a comprehensive examination, evaluate your range of motion, conduct a thorough health screening, and discuss the goals you wish to achieve and how myofunctional therapy can help.
Begin Therapy
Once you have decided that you are ready to begin your custom myofunctional therapy program, scheduling is easy and convenient. Most sessions can take place through telehealth in the comfort of your home.