Myofunctional Therapy – Tulsa, OK
The First Step to a Healthier Future
Myofunctional therapy is a service that is designed to help patients learn how to properly use their tongue, mouth, and throat muscles after they have undergone airway treatment or a frenectomy. Essentially, it is a form of physical therapy for the oral structures. In practice, myofunctional therapy with our Tulsa, OK, dentist involves doing a few simple exercises each day so you can form new, healthy habits that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
What Causes Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can be caused by many different factors. For example, they often develop as the result of a lip or tongue tie, which limits movement of the oral structures and prevents them from being used properly. As a result, issues with breathing and swallowing can result. Certain bad habits, such as prolonged thumb sucking, can also contribute to the development of OMDs.
No matter the cause of the OMD that you (or your child) are experiencing, myofunctional therapy, paired with other treatments, may be able to restore optimal function of the mouth and upper airway.
Do I Need Myofunctional Therapy?
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for myofunctional therapy:
- Your mouth tends to stay open when it is in a resting position.
- You recently underwent a frenectomy to treat a lip or tongue tie.
- Dental abnormalities, such as an overbite or underbite, are affecting the way you use your oral structures.
- Your tongue rests in an abnormal position. For example, it may continually push against the back of your teeth.
- You have an interdental lisp.
- You engaged in prolonged thumb- or pacifier- sucking as a child.
- You find it difficult to swallow correctly.
Our team can assess you for orofacial myofunctional disorders and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Myofunctional therapy is usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is often used in conjunction with orthodontia, bite corrections, and/or lip and tongue tie treatment. Once anatomical abnormalities that contribute to OMDs have been corrected, myofunctional therapy can help you to learn how to use your oral structures in the best way.
Myofunctional therapy involves the use of targeted exercises that strengthen and train the orofacial muscles. In addition to attending sessions in our office, you should also perform exercises at home as instructed. Just like any exercise program, myofunctional therapy can cause some mild discomfort, but the end results are well worth it!
After a successful course of myofunctional therapy, you can expect to experience numerous benefits. For example, the quality of your sleep may improve, and you may be at a lower risk of dental problems. You might even notice that there are aesthetic improvements to your face!
Myofunctional Therapy FAQs
What is Myofunctional Therapy
Although you may have never heard of myofunctional therapy, this tried-and-true treatment is an exercise-based program designed to strengthen the mouth and face muscles. It typically focuses on the strength, tone, function, and mobility of the tongue. This is because when you cannot use your tongue to the proper extent, your other muscles may end up compensating for its movement and function.
Myofunctional therapy teaches patients how to rest their tongues in the correct place, so it functions properly. The tongue plays an important role in your sleep, breathing and craniofacial development. Myofunctional therapy also teaches you how to increase the tongue’s range of motion, as well as how to chew, swallow, and breathe properly.
How long does myofunctional therapy take?
Although it will vary from patient to patient, most people complete their myofunctional therapy treatment in about six months and will need about 10 to 12 therapy sessions. The main goal is to teach you to use your tongue in a way that supports a healthy, pain-free lifestyle, so it’s important to not rush through treatment and to remain compliant with the exercises throughout.
Who is a good candidate for myofunctional therapy?
Any patient who is six years of age or older who does not have obstructive sleep apnea, snore, or have misaligned teeth or jaws may be an excellent candidate for myofunctional therapy. For children, this treatment can help prevent many future risks including speech delays and excessive dental cavities. Adults who suffer from bruxism, sleep apnea, or other related conditions may also benefit from this myofunctional therapy.
Is myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?
While it depends on your individual plan, in many cases myofunctional therapy is covered by medical insurance. However, we recommend calling your provider to verify your coverage first. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance with this, our team will be happy to help!