Myofunctional
Therapy

Get TMJ Pain Relief With Myofunctional Therapy

What is a Myofunctional Disorder?

Improper functioning of the muscles of the oral cavity and tongue that may result in:

• Lack of lip seal (mouth breathing) possibly leading to occlusal dysfunction.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Speech problems
• Low/forward tongue rest may be linked to orthodontic relapse, psychological, cosmetic and structural issues
• Failure to chew properly
• Incorrect swallowing may be linked to GERD and bloating

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

A series of exercises to re-pattern and optimize oral and facial functions to habituate static and dynamic and coordinated patterns that promote stable and correct oral postures. May include programs to eliminate oral habits (i.e. thumb sucking, tongue thrust) or referrals for correcting restricted frenum attachments.

Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

• Correct excessive habits
• At rest lip seal
• Tongue up/palatal tongue rest position
• Posterior teeth together swallow
• Proper chewing and correct drinking
• Nasal breathing

What is an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists are trained to apply self awareness and behavior modification techniques to eliminate oral habits and optimize oral functions in both adults and children.

Informational Resources:

Short Lingual Frenulum and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children
by Yu-Shu Huang, Stacey Quo, J Andrew Berkowski and Christian Guilleminault

Myofunctional Analysis and its Role in Dental Assessments and Oral Health
by Paula Fabbie, RDH, BS