Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

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

Treatment for OMDs typically involves a combination of exercises, behavior modification, and sometimes the use of appliances or tools to help retrain the muscles and improve overall oral function. Early intervention and treatment can help prevent long-term dental and health issues and improve a patient's quality of life.

Treating an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) often requires a multidisciplinary team approach involving various healthcare professionals. The team may include:

Orofacial Myologist (Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist)- An orofacial myologist will be the primary healthcare professional responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of the OMD. They will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs and work closely with the rest of the team to achieve optimal results.

Dentist or Orthodontist - A dentist or orthodontist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to dental or jaw alignment issues. They may provide orthodontic treatment or use appliances such as palatal expanders, braces or retainers to help correct the underlying dental or jaw issues.

Speech Therapist - A speech therapist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to speech difficulties or oral motor dysfunction. They may provide exercises and therapy to improve tongue and lip muscle control, and coordination needed for speech and swallowing.

ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist) - An ENT specialist may be involved in treating OMDs that are related to nasal or airway issues such as snoring or sleep apnea, otherwise known as disordered breathing.

Working together, this team can provide comprehensive care to help the patient overcome their OMD and improve their overall oral function and health.

The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's specific condition and symptoms, as well as the severity of the disorder.

Here are some common approaches to treating OMDs:

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: This therapy involves exercises to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the face, tongue, and throat, helping to correct the abnormal muscle patterns that contribute to the OMD. An orofacial myologist will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs, which may include exercises such as tongue placement, swallowing exercises, and breathing techniques.

Behavior Modification: This involves changing habits that contribute to the OMD, such as thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting. The patient may be given specific instructions on how to break these habits and encouraged to practice new behaviors that support improved oral function.

Appliances or Tools: In some cases, an appliance or tool such as a tongue crib, palatal expander, or myofunctional orthodontic appliance may be used to help support the therapy and retraining of the muscles. However, they must be used in conjunction with orofacial myofunctional therapy in order to be effective and avoid a relapse of the habit.

Multi-disciplinary Approach: Depending on the underlying cause of the OMD, the orofacial myologist may work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, speech therapists, or ENT specialists, to ensure comprehensive care.

Overall, the goal of OMD treatment is to help the patient achieve optimal oral function and improve their quality of life. With regular therapy and commitment to the recommended exercises and behavioral changes, patients can make significant progress in correcting their OMD.