What is an orofacial myofunctional disorder?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) is any interference in the normal development or functioning of the muscles of the face, jaw, lips, teeth, and tongue.
Any deficit in these areas can lead to difficulties with speech, eating, breathing, drooling, tongue thrust, jaw and neck pain, sleep, orthodontic relapse, and more.
In general, orofacial myofunctional disorders can impact one's quality of life if not addressed.
What are the overall goals of orofacial myofunctional therapy?
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To achieve the correct oral rest posture (tongue elevated to the hard palate, teeth apart, lips together, nasal breathing)
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To normalize chewing, preparation of food and liquids and oral phase swallow
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To improve sleep quality by improving breathing function
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To improve speech articulation
When can we start myofunctional therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is perfect to start around 4 years of age to address those early habits before they become life long habits and create more problems in the child's life. Therapy is also appropriate for older children and teens to help improve the quality of life by improving the issues that cause the disruption in functioning.
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At U-Speak, we work with children and teens to treat oral rest posture, oral phase chewing and swallowing, breathing, sleeping, pain, and other issues associated with OMDs.
Signs & Symptoms of a Myofunctional Disorder
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Open mouth breathing
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Tongue resting low in the mouth
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Sleep disordered breathing
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Dental malocclusions and open bite
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Forward or retracted jaw
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Daytime restlessness and fatigue
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Snoring
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Tongue thrust while talking or swallowing
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Worn teeth from clenching and grinding
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Jaw, head, and neck pain
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Facial asymmetry
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Poor posture
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Picky or messy eating
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Thumb/finger sucking, chewing on things, prolonged pacifier use, etc.
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Dry mouth
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Clicking/popping in jaw
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HIgh/narrow palate
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Chronic nasal congestion
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Inflamed tonsils
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Speech articulation errors, especially "s, z, ch, sh, zh, t, d, n, l, r"
Orofacial Myofunctional
Evaluations
We will begin by completing a comprehensive orofacial myofunctional evaluation, including:
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Relevant background or medical history
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Examination of the face, jaw, lips, tongue and mouth
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Baseline photos and videos
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Functional assessment of how all relevant muscles work together while talking, eating, and drinking
Following the evaluation, we will discuss our recommendations and make referrals when appropriate. We are committed to working alongside other professionals and developing a timeline of care that makes therapy as effective and affordable as possible.
Orofacial Myofunctional
Therapy
At U-Speak, our approach to myofunctional therapy is highly personalized to each client.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy sessions often include a review of exercises from the previous week, along with therapeutic activities and new exercises for the next week of home practice. When possible, we will provide video tutorials to help you complete exercises accurately outside of therapy.
For children, these exercises are combined with fun activities and games to keep therapy motivating. We also coach parents to work with their child between sessions to support quicker, lasting progress.