Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are defined by abnormalities of the muscles and the functions of the face and the mouth that negatively impact normal growth, development, and/or function. These abnormal patterns can impact speech, breathing, swallowing, chewing, sleeping, dentition, and more. Children, teens, and adults can benefit from treatment.

Here are some signs of an OMD:

• Thumb/finger/tongue sucking patterns
• Breathing problems such as enlarged tonsils & adenoids, or allergies
• Open mouth rest posture of the lips
• Forward rest posture of the tonque
• Weak lip muscles
• Difficulty with chewing, gathering, & swallowing solids & liquids
• Malocclusion
• Orthodontic relapse
• Speech Disorders
• Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)

We can begin treatment as young as four to five years of age. When a medical, dental and/or thumb sucking concern causes changes, intervention may begin at an earlier age. But it's never too late! Children, teens, & adults of all ages will benefit from therapy & experience success. A diagnostic evaluation will identify the underlying problems and allows us to determine if therapy is recommended.

The following factors will be considered:

• Presence/absence of OMD
• Discussion of medical, dental, and speech history
• Age and maturity of the individual
• School and social obligations
• Cooperation of individual and family members
• Commitment to therapy program

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders interrupt normalized movement patterns. Failure to address an OMD can result in:

• Mouth-breathing patterns that impact overall health
• Abnormal growth & development of the oral structures
• Improper chewing & swallowing
• Improper development & alignment of the teeth
• Improper development & growth of the jaw & facial structure
• Slowing the process of orthodontic treatment Undermining the long-term benefits & results of orthodontic treatment
• Negatively impacting the stability & function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Speech distortions
• Negatively affecting social relationships due to open mouth postures of noisy chewing & swallowing patterns

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach:

DENTISTS are concerned about preventing behaviors that lead to dental concerns. If an orofacial myofunctional disorder can be identified and eliminated early, normal growth processes of the teeth and jaws can proceed.

ORTHODONTISTS focus on how teeth fit together. Abnormal postures and functions of the tongue and lips can lead to the misalignment of teeth and, if not corrected, can contribute to orthodontic relapse following orthodontics.

ORAL SURGEONS are concerned with tethered oral tissues, including tongue and lip-ties. Following any surgical procedure in the oral cavity, the oral environment needs to remain stabilized, and any postural or functional problems need to be corrected to prevent reattachment or relapse.

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS become concerned if a patient has an orofacial myofunctional disorder in conjunction with their speech, feeding, or swallowing disorder.

PEDIATRICIANS become concerned if a sucking habit continues after the age of 3 since the shape of the dental arches and hard palate can be negatively affected.

ENTs are concerned with the patient's airway. If the tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, or if there are structural abnormalities, then "normal" breathing through the nose is difficult and craniofacial growth and development may be compromised.

ALLERGISTS are concerned with the patient's airway. When a patient has allergies, they are often congested and experience inflammation of the nasal and oral cavities, which compromises a patent nasal breathing pattern.

It is possible to have an OMD in conjunction with a speech disorder, yet, not every individual with a speech disorder will have an accompanying myofunctional disorder. However, when there is an underlying OMD in conjunction with a speech disorder, and the underlying problem is not addressed, speech therapy can be compromised. When the tongue is resting low and forward, the mis-production of the sounds - r, t, d, n, l, s, sh, ch, j - may occur. Without treatment, the precision and mobility necessary to achieve the transition from sound in isolation to conversational speech may become problematic.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both agree that after age three, chronic thumb/finger sucking needs to be addressed.

Thumb-Sucking Complications:

• Creates a possible malocclusion
• Pressure of the thumb against the roof of the mouth can contribute to a high narrow palate
• Sucking habits anchor the tongue down, creating a forward rest posture
• Contributes to abnormal tongue patterns
• Alters respiratory patterns
• Alters normal facial growth patterns

Our office is located at the home of the owner/therapist, Stephanie. 

You can also book a home visit or a virtual appointment! 

Please note: All evaluations must happen in person in order to properly determine the necessary treatment plan. 

An evaluation has to be thorough to create the best treatment plan for you and consists of multiple parts. An evaluation can take anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half depending on the age and comprehension capabilities of the patient.

Yes! We have a sucking habit eliminiation program, that has a high success rate regardless of if you suck your thumb, fingers, tongue, or lips. Read more information under "therapy" in our "services" tab.