What ia an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Many things impact the development and function of our craniofacial structures (head, face and mouth). These influences come from our genetics, developmental abnormalities, how we use these structures, any habits we form, the size and shape of each part of the craniofacial complex and how these structures affect each other. Each of these things can create either healthy development form and function or dysfunctional development form and function (Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders).

What can Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders do to us?

• Crowded misaligned teeth
• Incorrect jaw position and size
• A narrow and misshaped (vaulted) palate
• Can create an open bite, where the upper and lower teeth don't meet together
• Can cause a cross bite, where the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth
• Can be detrimental to the jaw joint, causing potential pain and wear
• Increase the prevalence of tooth decay
• Incorrect tongue posture
• An abnormal tongue thrust swallow
• Drooling
• Destructive chewing habits
• Chronic mouth breathing
• Grinding and clenching of the teeth, which can lead to broken, misshaped, and potentially painful teeth
• Problems with speech
• Social and self-esteem issues
• The appearance of the face and lips can become asymmetrical
• Swollen and inflamed tonsils and adenoids
• Restricted airways
• Snoring
• Sleep disordered breathing, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Impacting the quality of our sleep, which can create problems with concentration, moods, hyperactivity or drossiness
• General posture issues
• Have a negative impact on our general and mental health

What can be done to get things back on track?

Orofacial Myology is the treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders through the use of specific exercises and techniques to train the muscles of the face and mouth to function in the most ideal way.  By strengthening these muscles and improving their position, we can encourage healthy development, form and function. Orofacial Myology is useful for all ages, from young mouths that are still growing to fully grown mouths that need to change old habits. It is never too late!

Your Orofacial Myologist has been specifically trained to recognize Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and will create an individually tailored program to treat each individuals' needs. The focus will be on training the tongue and facial muscles for proper function as it relates to your dental, jaw, airway, speech and posture needs with the aim of restoring optimal development, form and function.

If you or your family has any of these concerns, give us a call and arange an appointment to discuss the treatment options available for you.