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Myofunctional Therapy That Makes a Difference.

ABOUT OMDs

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Abnormal muscle function in the mouth and face

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders are conditions where the muscles of the face and mouth function improperly, often leading to issues with breathing, swallowing, speaking, and even dental alignment.

These disorders can result from habits such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting. OMDs can contribute to a range of problems, including misaligned teeth, sleep apnea, and difficulty with speech.

Myofunctional Therapy Program

A myofunctional therapy program will guide patients through exercises to retrain the muscles and help them perform their functions more efficiently

Myofunctional Therapy is for everyone

Early intervention is key and habit elimination programs can begin as early as 3 years old; however, OMT can still be effective for children (ages 5+), teenagers, adults and even seniors!

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Common examples of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs):

Tongue Thrust

The tongue pushes forward against or between the teeth during swallowing or speaking, which can affect bite alignment and speech sounds.

Mouth Breathing

Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, often linked to low tongue posture and can impact facial development, sleep, and oral health.

Low Resting Tongue Posture

The tongue rests at the bottom of the mouth instead of up against the palate, which can interfere with proper jaw and facial growth.

Lips That Don’t Close at Rest

Often due to muscle imbalances or open mouth posture, which can lead to dry mouth, dental issues, or altered facial development.

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What to Look For – Understanding OMDs

Signs & Symptoms

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The Program

The Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

A myofunctional therapy program will guide patients through exercises to retrain the muscles and help them perform their functions more efficiently.

Correct Tongue Position

A key aspect of myofunctional therapy is teaching proper tongue posture. When the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth (instead of the bottom of the mouth), it helps promote nasal breathing.

Lip Seal

People who breathe through their mouths often struggle with keeping their lips sealed at rest. Myofunctional therapy includes exercises that strengthen the muscles around the lips, encouraging them to stay closed while breathing.

Correct Swallowing Patterns

One of the core focuses of myofunctional therapy is to retrain the muscles involved in swallowing. In normal swallowing, the tongue should press against the roof of the mouth, not the teeth.

Addressing Muscle Imbalances

Muscle imbalances often stem from poor habits or compensations (e.g., tongue thrusting, mouth breathing). Over time, the body “learns“ these habits and forms muscle memory. Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles by encouraging proper movement patterns

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Get in touch

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Reach out to us! We would be more than happy to discuss treatment options and start setting up appointments.