Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy starts with a thorough evaluation, where a therapist assesses the patient's oral and facial muscle functions, then develops a personalized treatment plan to address the specific issues found.
This individualized approach is fundamental to myofunctional therapy, aiming to retrain muscle functions to promote a healthier orofacial environment.
Goals and Objectives
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly, breastfeeding, facial skeletal growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, temporomandibular joint movement, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics, and more.
Most OMDs originate with insufficient habitual nasal breathing or with oral breathing. The subsequent adaptation of the muscles and the orofacial functions to a disordered breathing pattern creates many OMDs. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may impact treatments by orthodontists, dentists, dental hygienists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working in the orofacial area.
Common Causes of OMDs
Myofunctional disorders can stem from various factors, with both genetic and environmental elements playing a role. It's essential to understand these diverse triggers when addressing treatment options for those affected by such conditions.
Thumb Sucking
One common cause is prolonged habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting during childhood, which can impact the development of proper oral functions.
Poor Posture
Poor posture and incorrect chewing or swallowing techniques are other potential culprits that could lead to the development of MDOs
Structural Issues
Structural issues such as enlarged tonsils or a narrow palate may contribute to OMDs by affecting the positioning of the tongue.
Breathing Patterns
MDOs can also be linked to breathing patterns. For example, chronic mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can alter oral muscle function over time.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy might also be underlying causes of myofunctional disorders in certain individuals.
What to
Expect
with Myofunctional Therapy
1 / Oral Muscle Exercises
At the heart of myofunctional therapy are carefully designed oral muscle exercises that target specific areas for improvement. These exercises, like the tongue slide and finger in cheek, are customized to not only strengthen the muscles but also enhance their tone and function. Chewing motion exercises, for example, help strengthen the jaw and facial muscles while simulating real-life actions such as eating.
The regimen includes a variety of exercises like the tongue stretch and tongue forces exercise, which focus on developing the tongue and other orofacial muscles. These exercises go beyond simple repetition; they are aimed at promoting proper oral rest posture and improving oral hygiene through muscle activation and control.
2 / Focus on Nasal Breathing
Another primary focus of myofunctional therapy is on nasal breathing, a crucial yet often neglected aspect of health. Nasal breathing exercises, such as inhaling through the nose with a closed mouth and exhaling gently while pressing one nostril, are designed to promote proper airflow, improve sleep quality, and reduce mouth breathing. Practices like alternating nostril breathing help ensure the nasal passages are used efficiently, contributing to better overall health and well-being.
3 / Correcting Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrust is a condition where the tongue protrudes through the teeth during activities such as swallowing, speaking, and sometimes even at rest. Correcting tongue thrust is a pivotal aspect of myofunctional therapy, involving exercises that train the tongue to assume the correct resting position, thereby enhancing muscle coordination and strength. This correction is crucial for improving oral functions and overall myofunctional health.
The exercises designed to correct tongue thrust are not only therapeutic but also preventive. By retraining the tongue to rest correctly against the roof of the mouth, patients can prevent the misalignment of teeth and other complications that could arise from this condition. Ensuring that the tongue rests properly is fundamental to maintaining an open airway and promoting healthy oral habits.
Consistency and Commitment
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is painless and the exercises are relatively simple. When certain muscles of the face are activated and functioning properly, other muscles will follow suit until proper coordination of the tongue and facial muscles is attained. For success in this therapy, consistent exercise every day is necessary until the patient has corrected their improper muscle pattern. It also takes commitment by the patient, family – and time. Treatment usually consists of a regular program of exercises over a 6 – 12 month period, although treatment length may vary.
Collaboration
is
Critical
The effectiveness of myofunctional therapy greatly increases when it's part of a coordinated effort with other healthcare providers. For example, dentists contribute additional techniques to manage thumb-sucking and its effects on dental health. When paired with orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy can help improve teeth alignment and potentially reduce the need for braces or surgery by addressing muscle imbalances that could cause teeth to shift post-treatment.
Dentists and Myofunctional Therapists also often collaborate with craniosacral therapists and osteopathic doctors to address broader health concerns like breathing difficulties and jaw alignment. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive holistic care that takes into account the biological impact of dental issues on overall well-being. Such collaboration among healthcare specialists is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes for patients with OMDs.​​