Orofacial/Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial/myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on the treatment of orofacial (mouth and face) and myofunctional (muscle function) disorders. It involves exercises and techniques to address issues related to the muscles and functions of the mouth, tongue, and face. Here's a brief overview of orofacial/myofunctional therapy:

Purpose:

• Correction of Muscle and Functional Issues: Orofacial/myofunctional therapy is designed to correct abnormal muscle and functional patterns in the mouth and face, which can contribute to various oral and facial problems.

Conditions Treated:

• Tongue Thrusting: The therapy can help individuals who have a habit of pushing their tongue forward against their teeth during swallowing or at rest, which can lead to dental malocclusions (bite problems).
• Thumb or Finger Sucking: For children and adults with thumb or finger-sucking habits, orofacial/myofunctional therapy can help break these habits.
• Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): In some cases, therapy may be recommended to improve tongue mobility and function in individuals with tongue-tie.
• Speech and Articulation Issues: Orofacial/myofunctional therapy can be part of speech therapy to address speech sound disorders related to tongue and lip muscle coordination.

Therapeutic Techniques:

• Oral Exercises: Patients are taught specific exercises to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the mouth and face.
• Behavioral Techniques: Therapy includes strategies to modify behaviors like tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking.
• Breathing Techniques: Correcting improper breathing habits, such as mouth breathing, is often part of the therapy.