Myofunctional Therapy

Our Myofunctional Therapy services are designed to address a wide range of orofacial imbalances that can impact oral health, breathing, and overall well-being. By focusing on the identification and correction of specific postural alterations, our therapy aims to promote optimal oral function and enhance quality of life. Below, we outline the key services we provide, highlighting the crucial aspects of assessment and treatment.

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Identification of Orofacial Issues:

Our team conducts thorough evaluations to identify various postural alterations and orofacial dysfunctions.

Key areas of focus include:

Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia):

We evaluate the length and mobility of the lingual frenulum, as a short frenulum can restrict tongue movement and impact oral development.

 Speech and Articulation Development:

• Assessing the structure and function of the mouth, tongue, lips, and jaw to identify any abnormalities affecting speech production. 
• Evaluating tongue mobility, strength, and posture that can impede proper articulation (e.g., tongue tie). 
• Observing the stability and alignment of the jaw during speech tasks, as instability can lead to difficulties in articulation. 
• Evaluating nasal and oral breathing habits, as improper breathing can affect speech, fluency, clarity, and voice quality.

 Low Tongue Tone:

• Assessing the strength and posture of the tongue is essential because low muscle tone can result in improper resting posture and functional issues, including speech development, feeding, and sleep.

 High, Narrow Palatal Structure:

• We examine the palate's shape, as a high and narrow palate can affect dental alignment and airway space.

 Tonsil Hypotrophy:

• Enlarged or underdeveloped tonsils can obstruct airflow, contributing to breathing difficulties and sleep-related issues.

 Dental Wear:

• Evaluating dental wear patterns can provide insight into improper biting and occlusion caused by muscle imbalances.

 Open-Mouth Breathing Patterns:

• We observe breathing habits to identify tendencies that may contribute to airway constriction and other related issues.

2. Targeted Myofunctional Therapy

Customized Treatment Plans:

After the assessment, we develop tailored treatment plans to correct identified imbalances through targeted exercises and techniques.

Our therapy includes:

Tongue and Lip Exercises:

• Specific exercises aimed at improving tongue mobility and lip function, which promote proper oral posture and enhance speech clarity.

Breathing Techniques:

• Instruction on nasal breathing practices to encourage optimal airflow and reduce reliance on mouth breathing, which can facilitate better airway development.

 Jaw Stability Exercises:

• Strengthening exercises to improve jaw positioning and reduce the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

Functional Swallowing Techniques:

• Training patients to adopt proper swallowing patterns can alleviate feeding and oral function issues.

3. Education and Support

Empowering Patients and Families: Education is essential to our services. 

Our team provides:

In-depth Information: We educate patients and their families about the connection between orofacial muscle patterns and their impact on dental health and airway development.

Support for Early Intervention: Emphasizing the importance of recognizing and treating orofacial issues early in life, we aim to prevent complications such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and associated co-morbidities.

Resources for Home Practice: We provide resources and exercises that can be practiced at home to reinforce the skills learned during therapy sessions.

Conclusion

Our Myofunctional Therapy services are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by orofacial imbalances. Focusing on comprehensive assessments and tailored treatments, we strive to enhance oral function, promote healthy breathing patterns, and prevent long-term complications associated with improper muscle patterns. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms related to tethered oral tissue or other orofacial issues, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. Together, we can work towards achieving optimal health and well-being.