Why is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Important?
Myofunctional Therapy is important to achieve proper oral resting posture. Proper oral resting posture is establishing lip competance (lips gently sealed all day and all night), nasal breathing (all day and night), your tongue is resting in your palate (not the floor of your mouth), and proper chewing and swallowing functions.
What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) also known as, Orofacial Myology, is a specialized treatment focusing on the proper function of the muscles in the face and mouth. By addressing Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) this therapy can enhance overall health. Benefits include improved breathing, better sleep quality, and enhanced chewing and swallowing functions.
Myofunctional Therapy uses a multidisciplinary approach with the support of a team to help treat all aspects of OMD's. Myofunctional Therapy is not a cure for OMD's and it may be necessary to see other specialist's (ENT, Orthodontist, Physical Therapist, or General Dentist) to help achieve optimal results.
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders or OMD's are disorders of the muscles of the tongue, mouth, jaw, lips and face.
Types of OMD's
Mouth breathing - Day and/or night
Grinding/Clenching
Sleep Apnea
Snoring
TMJ Disorders (Jaw pain, muscle soreness, jaw locking)
Open Mouth Posture
Relapse of Orthodontic Treatment
Drooling
Non-Nutritive Habits (Thumb sucking, finger sucking, cheek biting, tongue biting, nail biting)
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
Difficulty Nose Breathing
Tongue-tie/Lip-tie
Dry Cracked Lips
Forward Head Posture
ADD/ADHD
Bed Wetting
