Orofacial Myology

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is an evidence-based treatment approach that is based upon supporting the underlying skills needed for breathing, speaking, swallowing, and sleeping. ​

 

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) can affect children, teenagers, and adults. An OMD is any interference in the normal development or functioning of the muscles of the face, jaw, lips, teeth, and tongue. These conditions have the potential to disrupt the typical growth and development of facial and oral muscles and bones. OMDs can hinder the proper functioning of facial and oral muscles in activities such as eating, speaking, and breathing. 

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At Ignite Speech, we treat Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in children (age 4+), teenagers, and adults of all ages

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Common symptoms associated with OMDs:​

• Open Mouth Resting Posture: When not speaking, the mouth is open, instead of closed. Often times, the tongue is resting on the floor of the mouth, instead of up at the alveolar ridge. This can lead to issues with breathing, dental alignment, and facial muscle coordination

• Persistent speech sound disorders​ such as a frontal or lateral lisp for /s, z/ and/or distorted speech sounds such as /r/. 

• Improper swallowing patterns ​or a tongue thrust swallow

• Snoring and sleep issues​

• Jaw, neck, or facial tension​, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

• Tongue and lip ties ​

• Orthodontic problems such as misalignment of the teeth, open bites, crossbites, or crowded teeth. Orthodontic relapse is also possible once braces are removed if OMDs have not been properly addressed.

• Prolonged Oral Habits: Thumb or finger sucking, fingernail biting, clenching/grinding teeth, prolonged pacifier use. These habits can affect oral muscle development and contribute to OMDs

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Common treatment goals and objectives:

Breathing is the hallmark of health and acts as a foundation for better sleep, focus, energy, health, speech, and quality of life. Myofunctional therapy establishes new and improved oral muscle patterns to help you or your child:

• Establish nasal breathing and improve tongue posture​

• Remediate stubborn speech sound disorders​

• Alleviate jaw pain, neck tension, and facial tightness​

• Facilitate proper chewing and swallowing patterns

• Reduce thumb sucking, fingernail biting, pacifier use, and other oral habits​. For more information, click here

• Experience more restful and restorative sleep

• ​Support orthodontic development or corrective treatment

• Pre- and post- frenotomy/frenectomy (lip and tongue tie release) care

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We take a collaborative approach to treating myofunctional disorders. Our goal is to work alongside clients, caregivers, and other professionals to support optimal speech, breathing, sleep, and swallowing patterns. All weekly sessions are supplemented with home practice activities to promote daily progress toward goals. Therapy sessions are upbeat, positive, and motivating! Family members are always welcome to join in on sessions to observe and learn helpful strategies to support successful home practice.

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The above information was gathered from the website of the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM). For more information regarding OMDs and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, please click here

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