WHAT IS OROFACIAL MYOLOGY/ MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?
You have never heard of Orofacial Myology/ Myofunctional Therapy? Let’s explore together and find out what is this therapy about and how it can benefit you or your child.
Many different terms for the same therapy.
Myofunctional therapy, orofacial myology, oral myofunctional therapy, orofacial Myofunctional therapy, tongue thrust therapy and more terms are referred to as the same thing. This therapy is used to correct and/or improve Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). Myofunctional therapy could be referred to as therapy that is used to correct or improve the incorrect patterns of the muscles of face, neck and tongue
Disorders that need Orofacial Myofunctional therapy.
Following are some disorders related to Orofacial myology but are not limited to
- Thumb/finger sucking habit
- Tongue thrust, can cause unusual swallowing patterns
- Mouth breathing, snoring and sleep apnea
- Incorrect chewing and swallowing
- Incorrect resting position of tongue
- Tongue ties/ lip ties
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)
In many cases, Myofunctional therapy can benefit to resolve or relieve these disorders. If some of these abnormalities are not addressed in timely manner, they can contribute in improper alignment of the teeth, orthodontal relapse, abnormal jaw growth, sleep disorders, speech problems and more.
How does Orofacial Myology works?
Orofacial myology is exercise-based therapy, which is customized for each patient after a detailed evaluation. It is a physical therapy and exercises to resolve the symptoms, conditions, disorders, or abnormalities related to the face, mouth, tongue, and jaw. The person who performs these therapies is called an Orofacial myologist.
These therapy sessions can gradually improve the symptoms, conditions, disorders, or abnormalities which may vary from patient to patient.
Is Orofacial Myology/ Myofunctional Therapy painful?
Orofacial myology is a non-invasive treatment that is an excellent option to treat many symptoms and can offer long-term benefits to the patient.
So why have you never heard of it?
Orofacial myology or Myofunctional therapy as a field that is growing at a very fast pace. Extensive training and ongoing education are required by the therapists to be able evaluate and teach these exercises to the patients. Slowly but surely, there are more dental professionals getting trained to perform Myofunctional Therapy.
