Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a specialized type of therapy designed to correct and improve the function of the muscles in the face, mouth, and throat.
It is a non-invasive, exercise-based therapy that involves a series of exercises and behavioural modifications aimed at correcting improper muscle function and disorders.
What is an orofacial myofunctional disorder?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is an atypical, adaptive pattern of the orofacial complex, including one or more of the following:
Open mouth posture
Forward or low resting tongue posture (between or against teeth)
Tongue thrust
Thumb/finger sucking habits
OMDs are related to or can contribute to:
Malocclusion (improper alignment of teeth)
Periodontal disorders
Orthodontic relapse
Changes associated with abnormal jaw growth and position
Causes:
There are typically a multitiude of reasons why we can have improper functional orofacial muslces, including but not limited to any of the following:
Restricted airway caused by enlarged tonsils/adenoids, deviated septum, or allergies
Oral habits such as thumb, finger, lip sucking, nail biting, or grinding
Extended pacifier or sippy cup use
Structural or physiological abnormalities (i.e. tongue tie)
Developmental delay and neurological deficits
Hereditary predisposition
Why is treatment important?
Failure to address an OMD can result in:
Long term mouth-breathing patterns that compromise overall healthy breathing
Establishment of detrimental oral habits that impede further growth and development
Establishment of atypical patterns that impact chewing and swallowing
The improper development/alignment of the teeth
The improper development of jaw growth and facial structure
Slowing the process of orthodontic treatment
Undermining the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment, resulting in malocclusion relapse
Negatively impacting the stability and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Speech distortions
Negatively affecting social relationships due to open mouth postures or noisy chewing and swallowing patterns
A variety of peripheral pain issues like chronic facial, neck and back pain; headaches; tooth grinding and clenching; as well as temperomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD or TMD) have also been associated with OMD’s, as have episodes of tinnitus and vertigo.
Improper tongue position has also been associated with some sleep disordered breathing patterns.
*Adapted from the IAOM
Appointments available at:
Robin's Nest Family Care
319 Woolwich St, Guelph, Ontario
Phone: (519) 265-4005
&
The WOMB
15 Lewis Rd, Guelph, ON
Phone: (519) 766-0127
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