What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) services include assessment and intervention for the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMT corrects muscular patterns that affect eating, breathing, facial growth, dental occlusion, teeth crowding, tongue/lip/jaw function and posture. Myofunctional therapy improves airway health, sleep quality, and proper facial growth while supporting orthodontic, feeding, and speech goals.
Our staff assesses underlying causes of orofacial dysfunction, and creates treatment plans that require dedication to your home exercise program. SLC often makes referrals to, and receives referrals from, airway-centered dentists, orthodontists, and ENTS. Myofunctional therapy can benefit individuals who demonstrate:
Tethered oral tissue (e.g., tongue and/or lip tie)
Open mouth posture (awake or sleeping)
Difficulty nursing/latching/bottle feeding
Low resting tongue posture
TMJ issues
Vaulted, narrow palate
Recessed chin
Teeth crowding
Tongue thrust (e.g., tongue pushes past or rests on teeth)
Poor sleep (e.g., snoring, mouth breathing, waking frequently, bed wetting, feeling unrested)
Prolonged oral habits (e.g., pacifier use, thumb/finger/tongue sucking, nail biting)
Teeth clenching and/or grinding
Excessive drooling
Sleep apnea
Worth Noting:
Not everyone with tethered oral tissue(s) will have an orofacial myofunctional disorder.
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Not everyone with an orofacial myofunctional disorder will have tethered oral tissue(s).