What is Myofunctional Therapy

Tongue Function is the key to Healthy Breathing and Sleeping

 

 

There is not a person in this world who has proper tongue function and who also has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), teeth clenching and TMJ pain. The tongue is everything at the TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center. So, what is Myofunctional Therapy? Believe it or not, there are professionals called “Myofunctional Therapists” who work with people who have tongue function problems. Think of them as physical therapists for the tongue. Myofunctional Therapists are usually trained first as dental hygienists, dentists or speech and language pathologists before getting an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) certificate.

 

Myofunctional Thearpy at TMJ Sleep and Breathe Center

 

Our practice integrates orthodontics, myofunctional therapy, breathing and posture treatments. That is what separates us from teeth straightening services such as Invisalign and Smile Direct Club. Some of our patients are adults who have TMJ pain, clench their teeth, and have sleep apnea. Others are kids with crooked teeth, tied tongues, bad posture and mouth breathing habits. No matter where you fit in the above spectrum, Myofunctional Therapy can be a very effective therapy when combined with other corrective therapies.

 

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

 

Myofunctional Therapy is everything about strengthening the tongue, correcting tongue function and perfecting tongue posture. But why do we care so much about the tongue? When the tongue is working properly we do not see:

 

1. Mouth Breathing
2. TMJ pain and teeth clenching
3. Sleep apnea
4. Poor facial profile and jaw asymmetries
5. Posture problems related to the head and neck
6. Crooked teeth and biting problems

 

Usually, by the time myofunctional therapy is considered some or all of the above problems are present. Tongue ties and lip ties may be present. Other therapies and treatments in addition to myofunctional therapy are going to be necessary. Most of these treatments are structurally related, for example crooked teeth and poor facial profile.

Other articles about Myofunctional Therapy:

1. What is a Tongue Tie
2. What causes Tongue Tie

 

Myofunctional Therapy Tongue Exercises Video

 

 

Our most common treatment protocol for Kids:

 

1. Orthodontic Palatal Expansion with Schwarz and ALF appliances
2. Myofunctional Therapy
3. Tongue tie and lip tie releases if needed
4. Posture Correction
5. Breathing Exercises

 

 

Our most common treatment protocol for Adults:

 

 

1. Adult Palatal Expansion with Homeoblock and DNA Appliances
2. Breathing Exercises
3. Posture Correction
4. Myofunctional Therapy
5. Tongue tie and lip tie releases if needed