Myofunctional Dentistry

Myofunctional therapy can help address various issues and disorders related to oral function and orofacial development. Some common conditions that myofunctional therapy can help with include:

1. Tongue Thrust: Tongue thrust, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), occurs when the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, speech, or rest. Myofunctional therapy can retrain the tongue to rest in the proper position and swallow correctly, reducing the risk of dental issues such as open bites and malocclusions.
2. Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing can lead to a range of health issues, including dry mouth, bad breath, and increased risk of dental decay. Myofunctional therapy promotes nasal breathing by addressing underlying factors such as nasal congestion, habits, and posture.
3. Incorrect Swallowing Patterns: Incorrect swallowing patterns, such as tongue-thrust swallowing or swallowing with an open mouth, can contribute to dental malocclusions and other oral health issues. Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles involved in swallowing to promote proper oral function and alignment.
4. TMJ Disorders: Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can lead to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. Myofunctional therapy can help alleviate TMJ symptoms by promoting proper muscle balance and function in the orofacial region.
5. Speech Disorders: Myofunctional therapy can complement speech therapy by addressing underlying muscle issues contributing to speech disorders such as lisps, articulation difficulties, and stuttering.

Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about fixing your smile—it’s about restoring harmony and balance to your entire oral system. By targeting the root causes, myofunctional therapy can improve your oral health and overall quality of life.