Myofunctional Therapy in Pinehurst

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a functional therapeutic approach in dentistry aimed to correct various oral health and airway issues using neuromuscular re-education and re-patterning of the oral and facial muscles. The goals of OMT are to promote:

1. Correct tongue posture
2. Nasal breathing
3. Proper Lip seal
4. Correct swallowing pattern

Through holistic based therapy, patients are taught oral and facial exercises to promote optimal tongue position, improve breathing, chewing, and swallowing.

BENEFITS OF MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

Myofunctional issues arise as early as infancy and can gradually progress into adulthood, manifesting itself into orofacial pain, sleep apnea and dental disease. Myofunctional therapy improves unfavorable habits of the mouth and facial functions that may impact:

- Breastfeeding
- Skeletal development of the face
- Speech
- Jaw Movement
- Facial Aesthetics
- Chewing
- TMJ Pain
- Sleep-disordered breathing

WHAT DOES MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY CONSIST OF?

Myofunctional Therapy consists of a comprehensive assessment of posture, jaw function and position, facial symmetry, tongue, and lip movement, as well as referrals to appropriate professionals who can address further functional healing. OMT involves a series of facial and tongue exercises, behavior modification, and improved resting position of the mouth to strengthen imbalances of the head, neck, and supporting oral musculature. By establishing proper oral posture and nasal breathing, the body will be able to combat inflammatory mediators and improve health, anxiety, sleep quality, and TMD.
In our office, Dr. Streets performs myofunctional screening at infancy, and myofunctional retraining and habit elimination with some children as young as 4 years old. If you or your baby are experiencing the symptoms listed here and you are interested in learning more about myofunctional therapy, give our office a call.