Learn more about how myofunctional training can improve your jaw movement, your oral health, and even your smile.
The resting position of your tongue impacts a lot- from how you speak, chew and swallow to how you look. Abnormal tongue position can create a host of problems, but luckily myofunctional therapy can help.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Santa Monica Myofunctional therapy uses physical therapy to improve the bite, breathing, and facial posture. By training the soft tissues of the face, neck, and mouth, we can help you discover the correct position for your tongue. This type of therapy can be used for patients of all ages.
Why Does One Need Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders can cause issues that negatively impact your daily life. They can affect how your face looks, along with your jaw movement and your oral health.
Tongue thrust is a common orofacial myofunctional disorder that is characterized by the tongue pressing against or spreading between the teeth when swallowing. This places abnormal pressure on the palate, which can push the teeth out of place, and younger patients can even prevent the teeth from erupting at all.
What Are The Signs of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
- Misaligned teeth
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrust
- Teeth grinding
- Speech issues
- Facial pain
- Sleep apnea
If you or your child are deemed to have an orofacial myofunctional disorder, myofunctional therapy will be recommended. A program will be customized to fit your specific needs and improve function while retraining the orofacial muscles to work properly. This will include increased awareness of how your mouth and facial muscles work so you will be able to recognize abnormalities. Your therapy will likely include finding a normal resting posture for the tongue and lips, creating patterns of nasal breathing, and for younger patients, working to eliminate harmful habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use.
Effective myofunctional therapy will improve your symptoms and help you eat efficiently and speak clearly. An added benefit is aesthetic improvements to your face and smile.
Abraham Orthodontics is ready to assist you with your myofunctional therapy needs. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.
