Orofacial Myology

Orofacial myology is a specialized professional discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscles, (myo-) postural and functional disorders, and oral habits that may disrupt normal dental development and create cosmetic problems. The principles involved with the evaluation and treatment of orofacial Myofunctional disorders are based upon dental science tenets.

Myofunctional disorders can lead to a disruption of normal dental development in both children and adults. The consequence of postural and functional variations involving the lips and tongue are associated with dental malocclusion, cosmetic problems, and deformities in the growth of the dental arches.

At what age should therapy begin?

Children as young as five years of age can benefit from evaluation or therapy to eliminate sucking habits. Age five years is usually a good age to initiate digit sucking therapy or refer a patient for medical evaluation of an airway interference issue. However, resting posture problems of tongue and lips, and other functional problems such as tongue thrusting are not indicated for treatment until age six or seven. Orofacial Myofunctional therapy is also appropriate for adults.

 In many instances, a Myofunctional disorder develops in response to late jaw growth, worsening of a malocclusion over time, or other reasons such as tooth loss. Therapy for adult patients is typically efficient.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists work on re-patterning tongue and muscle movements as well as strengthening and stabilizing orofacial muscles through a variety of exercise-based activities.

The focus of treatment:

Habitual Mouth Breathing/Abnormal Breathing

Low Oral Rest Posture

Open Mouth/Lip Posture

Tongue Thrust (incorrect oral phase swallow pattern)

Orthodontic Issues (malocclusion/relapse)

Tongue/Lip Tie

Prolonged Oral Habits (thumb sucking/pacifiers)

Chewing and Swallowing Disorders

Temporomandibular (TMJ) Pain

Feeding Problems

Articulation Placement Errors

I work closely with other team members which may include your Dentist, Orthodontist, ENT, and other professionals as the need presents to provide our client with the most effective treatment plan and outcomes.