What is it?
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy, also called Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), is a custom tailored exercise program targeting the muscles of the face and mouth in order to correct Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD's). The goals of OMT promote ideal (nasal) breathing, ideal oral rest posture as well as improve swallowing mechanics. It's like personal training for the muscles of the mouth and face.
Who needs Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?
Individuals with any of the following can benefit from therapy:
- Mouth breathing
- TMJ pain/TMJD
- Headaches
- Posture problems, cervical neck tension
- Sleep disordered breathing (SDB), snoring, sleep apnea
- Orthodontic relapse
- Breaking, chipping, wearing dental restorations
- Oral disease (dental decay, gum disease)
- Swallowing and digestive issues
Why is it necessary?
Just like any condition that goes undiagnosed and untreated, symptoms can get worse with age. OMT can benefit all ages! When implemented early, OMT can favorably direct the growth of the face and jaws in young children and in some cases, orthodontic treatment is not needed. Adults of all ages can benefit as well. OMT is holistic, non-invasive and without major risk when compared to surgical interventions.
How does OMT help?
The core symptoms that OMT seeks to correct are: a tongue thrust swallowing pattern, low tongue posture, mouth breathing, and open mouth posture. These symptoms are all connected and the tongue is the common link. The tongue can be physically tied or tethered, often referred to as a tongue-tie or tongue restriction. A tongue-thrust is a dysfunctional swallowing pattern that can occur from low muscle tone and is usually contributed to by mouth breathing. Both a tongue tie and a tongue thrust involve low tongue posture which can lead to open mouth posture and therefore, mouth breathing. The tongue is part of the airway and thus affects airway health. When we work to optimize habits and function, our focus is ultimately always relating back to the health of the airway.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, a dysfunctional pattern or habit has occurred. This is not our healthy, natural state and can lead to bigger problems over time. Dysfunctions must be corrected before orthodontic work, C-PAP, tongue tie release, or other treatment in order for them to be the most effective. Identifying and correcting basic habits and functional patterns help us to address the root cause of bigger issues. When we work together, we are always trying to connect what's happening locally with the bigger picture of the whole body.
The goals of OMT will always focus on:
- Nasal breathing with a focus on slow, diaphragmatic breathing
- Proper oral rest posture (lips sealed and correct tongue posture)
- Correct swallowing mechanics
If these goals are habituated, symptoms can be reduced or eliminated and proper dental and craniofacial development will occur in growing children.
Airway Health
Everything in your body is connected! The tongue is part of the airway and thus affects airway health. When we work to optimize habits and function, our focus is ultimately always relating back to the health of the airway.