What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Oral Myofunctional Therapy (also called myofunctional therapy or orofacial myofunctional therapy) addresses the structure and function of facial muscles to work together efficiently and effectively. It is also sometimes called or known as “tongue thrust therapy.”
An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) refers to a collection of oral patterns that may interfere with how oral structures are used for eating, talking, and breathing. The most common and well-known OMD is a tongue thrust, which refers to a pattern where the tongue pushes forward with excessive pressure against the teeth during speech and feeding.
Indications of a Myofunctional Disorder
- Breathing from your mouth
- Facial asymmetry
- Having a resting open mouth posture
- A tongue thrust or forward tongue posture
- Repeated orthodontic care
- Having an open bite
- Noisy/messy eating habits
- Drooling beyond age 2
- Difficulty closing lips to swallow
- Problems with speech sounds/ articulation
- Having a lisp
Goals of a Myofunctional Therapy
- Improves the function of oral structures by addressing the root cause of difficulties
- Correct oral habits that may be causing shifts in resting postures and teeth
- Increased symmetry in oral structures
-Facilitate clarity of speech
- Improve teeth alignment and jaw stabilization in collaboration with orthodontists and dentists
- Facilitate closed mouth posture with nasal breathing
We provide online myofunctional therapy in three phrases:
Pre-Treatment - to address oral habits and oral functions in isolation
In Action - coordinating the muscles with the appropriate resting and moving postures
In Life- to ensure the benefits of myo stay with you after you graduate our program
Resources:
Hanson, M. L., Mason, R. M., & Vaidergorn, B. (2003). Orofacial Myology: International Perspectives (2nd ed.). Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2021, from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders/
