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Beautiful Smile

WHAT IS MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is similar to physical therapy but for the face and mouth - specifically the tongue, jaw and lips. I teach adults and children a series of exercises over a period of time to help promote proper tongue posture, lip competence, nasal breathing, and correct swallowing pattern. All of these functions can have a direct affect on the airway and an individual's overall health.

It is a known fact that form always follows function. With the presence of orofacial dysfunction, there is a direct effect on jaw development, teeth alignment, and palate shape and size which can have a significant impact on the way adults and children breathe. Not only do we see changes to the internal structures, but dysfunction could also result in changes to the external, physical appearance of an individual. 

FOUR GOALS OF
OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

  1. Nasal Breathing

  2. Lip Seal

  3. Proper tongue posture

  4. Proper swallowing pattern

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WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?

Here is the good news, anyone at any age can benefit from myofunctional therapy!

In children, if we can address Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) early, then we can save them from a lifetime of health challenges they could face as they grow. 

Adults of all ages are also capable of acheiving successful results from myofunctional therapy. Often times we see specific symptoms (examples listed below) becoming more troublesome to one's health due to OMDs as we age. 

  • Sleep Disordered Breathing: commonly Sleep Apnea or Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

  • TMJ pain + neck pain

  • Headaches

  • Orthodontic relapse

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Digestion issues

It is our goal to help you breathe properly, sleep well, and thrive through life.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We offer multiple options for appointments including virtual visits. During our initial evaluation, we can decide what will work best for each individual patient and family.

We try our best to make our myofunctional therapy sessions fun and educational! We sincerely want you to be able to easily integrate this therapy into your daily schedule and make our time together the most positive experience as possible. 

Therapy is a commitment and it does take time, but we are extremely passionate about the amazing impact that it can have on the trajectory of an individual's health for life.

 

Our standard treatment plan consists of 12 sessions where we meet about every two weeks. Treatment needs and length can vary based on individual needs and often are in collaboration with other healthcare providers (such as: airway dentist, orthodontist, chiropractor, ENT etc.). 

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MOUTH BREATHING

​Common Causes of Mouth Breathing:

  • Presence of tongue-tie

  • Narrow palate (no room for tongue)

  • Prolonged respiratory infection

  • Chronic nasal congestion

  • Allergies/Asthma

  • Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids

  • Stress & anxiety

Potential Long Term Consequences of Mouth Breathing:

  • Underdeveloped oral musculature

  • Issues with swallowing - tongue thrust 

  • Abnormal face and dental development

  • Malocclusion (bad bite/crooked teeth)

  • Gingivitis and gum disease

  • Dental decay/cavities 

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Digestion issues

  • Sleep Disorderd Breathing

  • In children specifically: 

    • ADHD​/ADD symptoms

    • bed wetting

    • sleep walking

    • slowed growth

    • trouble with academic performance

SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING

Put simply, if we are not breathing properly, we cannot acheive quality sleep. If we aren't sleeping well, then we cannot thrive through life.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that more than 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, most often undetected or misdiagnosed.

Often times, myofunctional therapy can help reduce the severity of the symptoms of Sleep Disordered Breathing and greatly improve sleep quality through strengthening the back of the tongue, soft palate, and throat. 

Common symptoms of Sleep Apnea and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) include: 

  • snoring

  • daytime sleepiness

  • un-refreshing sleep

  • frequent arousals from sleep

  • headaches

  • poor concentration

  • poor performance in school, sports or work

The only practioners who can diagnose sleep apnea are medical doctors. As myofunctional therapists, we are aware of the signs and symptoms and will refer our patients to see their medical doctor for further examination if symptoms are present. 

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