What is myofunctional therapy?
Your oral structures, especially the tongue, must maintain an optimal position to support optimal breathing, swallowing, and chewing. Unfortunately, orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), such as mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, or incorrect tongue posture, can affect several oral functions.
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of exercise-based treatment that focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue to function properly. The myofunctional therapist provides a series of exercises that retrain the orofacial muscles to work in harmony, resulting in improved oral function. Think of it as physical therapy, but for your oral and facial muscles.
Sometimes, your therapist may incorporate Myobrace® as part of your myofunctional therapy program. Myobrace is a preventive orthodontic system designed to correct poor oral habits and guide natural jaw and facial development, often without the need for traditional braces.
Who needs myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy in Bolton, Ontario, promotes balance, strength, and proper oral function. It could be the intervention you need if you are suffering from:
- Mouth breathing
- Difficulty or incorrect swallowing
- TMJ-related headaches and jaw pain
- Sleep disordered breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Thumb or finger sucking
- Speech disturbances
- Restricted frenum attachments
- Incorrect lip posture
- Snoring
