Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth. These disorders are very common among Americans today and range from oral breathing to poor swallow patterns.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy addresses these disorders. We work with patients to get their muscles and tongue functioning properly – we work together on goals like eliminating harmful oral habits, creating lip seal, improving proper tongue rest position, enhancing nasal breathing, and promoting proper chewing and swallow patterns.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Because the muscles of the face and tongue are extremely strong, they impact development, speech, breathing, and even sleep patterns. If these muscles are not functioning properly, people can experience a wide variety of problems including
- narrowing of the facial structure
- reduced space in the nasal cavity
- pain of the temporomandibular joint – where your jaw and cheek bone connect
- difficulty in eating/swallowing certain foods
- changes in the grinding surface of the teeth
- orthodontic relapse
- sleep breathing disorders such as sleep apnea
Buteyko Breathing Method
We employ the Buteyko Breathing Method along with these techniques. It’s a powerful approach to reversing health problems associated with improper breathing, such as over breathing and mouth breathing, which heavily impact sleep patterns and oxygenation of your tissues and organs.
Myofunctional therapy is often referred to as physical therapy for the tongue and face. Just like in physical therapy exercises, you get out what you put in – myofunctional therapy is a lifestyle change that can impact you for the rest of your life!
