Myofunctional Therapy Clinic

Our mission at the Myofunctional Clinic is to create and maintain the best environment for optimal growth of the oral and facial muscles. We want to help our patients build healthy habits for life through normal chewing & swallowing, proper tongue rest position and improved breathing. Our Myofunctional Therapists through collaboration with with our doctors complete any necessary treatment and achieve optimum clinical outcomes for your child in the most seamless and integrated model.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy is a type of physical therapy that helps restore proper function to the muscles of the face, mouth and neck. The therapy will eliminate disfunctional oral habits in order to re-establish proper oral rest posture: tongue resting comfortable on the palate to allow for adequate palatal arch development during growth. Correcting oral rest posture has a significant impact on upper and lower jaw development and healthy breathing. In addition, the correction of the improper swallowing pattern is necessary to ensure proper jaw development. This can be achieved by myofunctional therapy exercises targeting the specific problem or appliances such as the Froggy Mouth.

The most common swallowing problem is a tongue thrust. For more information on the tongue thrust, please click here.

Here are some articles in clinical journals highlighting the importance of myofunctional therapy and appliance use:

What are the benefits of Myofunctional Therapy?

  • Improved Facial Symmetry

  • Healthy breathing & proper airway development

  • Ability to move oral muscles properly

  • Improved chewing and speech

  • Proper teeth alignment

Watch the video below to learn more about Myofunctional Therapy and it’s benefits!

 

How do I know if my child needs Myofunctional Therapy?

During your child’s dental well visits, our doctors & hygienists routinely monitor patterns of unfavorable growth patterns of oral and orofacial musculature that can interfere with normal growth & development or function of the facial muscles.

Here are some of the red flags we look for during your child’s exam:

  • Mouth Breathing

  • Snoring or Sleep Apnea

  • Speech Disturbances

  • Poor Chewing or Digestion

  • Drooling

How does Myofunctional Therapy help the nursing mother?

Breastfeeding can be frustrating when the baby can not latch properly. They usually look for the help of the Lactation Therapist who can help with positioning the baby and the mother. However, myofunctional therapy also plays a significant role in improving the breastfeeding experience. Our therapist will examine the baby for any restricted tissues which limit the movement of the lip and tongue. If surgery is necessary, our therapist will guide you through a sequence of exercises which will prepare the tissue for surgery and also keep the tethered oral tissues in the correct positioning.

Difficulties in Breastfeeding and Latching

Difficulties in nursing during infancy may occur due to:

  • Lack of sucking reflexes

  • Tongue and lip mobility restrictions

  • Lack of coordination (need for lactation consultant)

  • Improper positioning of the mother and baby (need for lactation consultant)

  • Absence of sealing of the lips around the breast nipple (lip and tongue ties)

  • Underproduction of milk by mother

Besides all the nutritional and immunological benefits the breastfeeding will stimulate the proper functioning of the structures of the mouth and face. Breastfeeding strengthens the Orofacial muscles of the infant reducing risk of issues swallowing, speaking, chewing, and breathing.

 

Our Approach to Myofunctional Therapy

1. ASSESMENT & EXAMINATION

During the first appointment, medical and family history is reviewed. Measurements, photographs, and the structure of the face will be thoroughly examined. The diagnosis is made at this appointment and you will be given the opportunity to ask questions to our Myofunctional Therapist about treatment options.

 

2. TREATMENT

Surgical

Sometimes, surgery may be recommended depending on the diagnosis. Exercises will be scheduled prior to the surgical date to prepare the tissue for the surgery. Similarly, Wound Care will be scheduled two weeks after surgery, during which, the patient will stretch the tissue to prevent re-attachment of previously restricted tissue.

Non-Surgical

Should surgery not be recommended, Myofunctional Therapy will begin right away. The Exercises are sequenced in a few phases:

I. Intensive Phase: In this initial phase, elimination of unfavorable habits and re-patterning of the muscles is achieved through a series of specially designed exercises triggering the muscles of the the tongue, throat, cheeks, and lips.

II. Maintenance Phase: This phase will rely on the brains ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and learning new patterns. Exercises will be repeated at home and appointments with the Myofunctional Therapist will begin to be scheduled less often.

III. Habituation Phase: In this final phase, the Myofunctional Therapist will continuously monitor the patient through monthly evaluations.

3. EVALUATION OF TREATMENT & RE-ASSESMENT

Should additional treatment become necessary, the treatment will be re-addressed.

To learn more about Myofunctional Therapy, click here.

Working with other Professionals

Our Myofunctional therapist works closely with other professionals such as lactation consultants, orthodontists, pediatricians, ENTs, and cranio-sacral therapists to achieve the best results.

To lean more about Cranio-Sacral Therapy, click here.