The way your oral structures function can have a big impact on your quality of life. Activities like breathing, speaking, and chewing can all be negatively affected if your mouth and nearby muscles are not working properly. To help with such issues, your dentist might recommend that you start myofunctional therapy. What exactly is myofunctional therapy, and how can you tell if you need it? This blog post offers some helpful information.
An Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is commonly known by a few different names. It may be called orofacial myofunctional therapy or orofacial myology. However you refer to it, the basic concept behind it remains the same.
Essentially, myofunctional therapy is physical therapy for the mouth, head, and neck. It involves the use of targeted exercises that promote proper breathing, a healthy resting tongue positioning, effective swallowing, and more.
Most patients require a course of therapy that lasts for four or so months. If they diligently comply with their treatment program, they tend to enjoy lifelong benefits from their treatment. For example, they may sleep better, enjoy a lower risk of dental health problems, and find it easier to speak and eat with confidence.
Who Needs Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for patients of virtually any age who have a myofunctional disorder (a problem with the way the oral muscles work). You might need this treatment if:
- You recently underwent treatment for a lip or tongue tie.
- You often breathe through your mouth instead of your nose.
- Your tongue pushes against your teeth. (When your tongue is at rest, it should be touching the back of your teeth but not pushing against them.)
- You sometimes struggle to swallow, or you avoid certain textures of food.
- It is difficult for you to enunciate certain sounds when you speak.
- You tend to snore or have other signs of sleep disordered breathing.
- You are in the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth.
Of course, many of the above-listed problems can be caused by numerous issues. A well-trained dentist can determine why you are struggling and recommend an appropriate solution, whether it is myofunctional therapy or another type of treatment.
Myofunctional therapy is a remarkable treatment that has the potential to help patients enjoy a healthier smile and an improved overall quality of life. Talk to your dentist if you believe it could benefit you or someone in your family.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Annie Yu has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years. She loves getting to know patients and steering them toward treatments that can provide long-term benefits. She is an expert at recognizing the signs of myofunctional disorders, and she proudly partners with trustworthy myofunctional therapists. To learn more about her and her approach to care, contact Avant Dentistry at 240-332-1599.