Myofunctional therapy involves providing a series of neuromuscular re-education exercises that support the development of optimal structure and function of the orofacial complex to address orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDs may include abnormal orofacial rest posture of the tongue, lips, and/or mandible; open mouth posture; atypical swallowing/forward tongue movement; inefficient/insufficient chewing; noxious oral habits; orofacial and jaw parafunctions; and symptoms such as sleep interruptions (snoring, sleep apnea).
Myofunctional Therapists educate and teach therapeutic exercises to address the root cause of many common problems such as mouth breathing, tongue thrust, clenching and grinding, jaw pain, headaches, speech and sleep concerns.
Myofunctional Therapists can provide services in a number of different settings. This may include, but is not limited to providing services in a dental practice setting, renting space for your own business, or offering virtual therapy!
Airway screening is an important part of all oral assessments. Screening for airway concerns is essential in helping to identify potential sleep-breathing problems and understanding what treatment or referrals are required.
Nasal breathing warms, moistens and filters the air and is the healthiest way to breathe. Many clients have mouth breathing habits which can lead to a long list of symptoms and side effects. Improve your clients' health by teaching nasal breathing habits.
When you help your clients achieve the goals of myofunctional therapy, you can also help them get more restful, better quality sleep. Myo has also been shown to decrease snoring and improve sleep apnea.
The way kids breathe and rest their mouth and tongue directly influence their jaw and facial growth. You can help guide their growth and development to the fullest potential by establishing healthy breathing and oral function early!
Incorrect tongue posture, mouth breathing and oral habits can affect the success of orthodontic treatment and lead to orthodontic relapse. Achieving proper oral posture and nasal breathing helps improve orthodontic retention.
Myofunctional Therapists can assess the mobility and functional movement of the tongue to determine if a restriction is present. If a surgical procedure (frenectomy) is required, therapists can make appropriate referrals and provide pre and post op care.
Myo helps to correct a tongue-thrust and promote good chewing and swallowing habits by teaching closed-lip chewing and proper placement of the tongue and teeth for swallowing.
TMJ discomfort is a very common concern. Myo helps to relieve symptoms of clenching, grinding and TMJ pain by addressing the root cause and rehabilitating oral and facial muscles to proper function.
Oral habits create poor oral posture and create orthodontic problems. With Myo, you'll be able to help your clients eliminate harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking, pacifiers, and nail biting.
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