What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy/OMT or myo is a specialized program of exercises and activities that rehabilitate dysfunction of the orofacial complex. This program targets and retrains the face, neck, and soft tissues of the mouth to reach proper tongue position and oral rest posture. Myofunctional therapy is individualized to address the symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders/OMDs. OMDs can affect people of all ages and treatment is customized based on age and symptoms. Treatment typically consists of 6-8 weeks of intensive therapy followed by 8-12 months of weekly-monthly therapy sessions. Treatment length varies with the needs and goals of the individual.
Myofunctional therapy can provide rehabilitation for many issues like the following conditions:
Pre/Post Frenectomy Care
Preparation and Wound management for Frenectomy procedures to address Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) is the key to a successful outcome. Myofunctional therapy ensures proper healing and optimal function rehabilitation.
Non-Nutritive Sucking
Thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, nail biting are habits that can be soothing or comforting. However, these habits can interfere with the growth and development of the dental archs and structures. Myofunctional therapy can aide in the elimination of these habits to redirect facial and dental growth.
Tongue Thrust
An improper swallowing pattern is where the tongue "thrusts" forward against the front teeth instead of remaining on the roof of the mouth or palate. Untreated, this can cause misaligned teeth/jaws and speech issues. Myofunctional therapy reeducates and repatterns facial and tongue muscles to achieve proper swallowing posture.
Oral/Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can occur for several reasons but is commonly seen in individuals with TOTs. Myofunctional therapy aims to restore nasal breathing through nasal hygiene practices and strengthening of weakened facial muscles.
Low Tongue Posture
The tongue is our natural palatal expander and assists in the development of the dental archs/jaws. The tongue should always rest with light suction to the palate. Myofunctional therapy aims to rehabilitate the tongue muscles in order to restore strength and range of motion.
Sleep Disordered Breathing
Sleep disordered breathing is can include apnea (pauses in breathing) and/or snoring. It can affect children and adults alike. This condition can be directly or indirectly caused by OMDs. Along with specialty interventions, myofunctional therapy has been shown to decrease symptoms of apnea.