Myofunctional Therapy

The tongue is a powerhouse organ made up muscles that work non-stop to support daily functions such as eating, talking and swallowing. When issues arise with chewing, swallowing, speech, breathing, sleep, and even dental alignment, it is an indicator that the oral and facial muscles may not be working properly. Myofunctional therapy applies exercises and behavior modification techniques to retrain the tongue, lips, and jaw with the aim of correcting functional irregularities. Typical program length is 4 months with weekly sessions offered in-person or over Zoom, and daily, at-home exercises prescribed and measured by a certified therapist.

Myofunctional Therapy Works At Any Age

Orofacial Myology therapy can work for people of all ages because it is exercise based. Common disorders seen in the adult population include but are not limited to tongue thrust, Muscular TMD (temporal mandibular disorder), open rest mouth posture, chronic cheek biting, nail/cuticle biting, drooling (nighttime or day), clenching, bruxing and a lack of facial tonality. Our therapy is non-invasive and uses no drug therapy. It is neuro-muscular based. A typical therapy program takes about 4 months and requires daily exercises by the patient for a few minutes, three times a day, to achieve a normal oral environment regarding lip, tongue, and jaw posturing. Lasting results are often dramatic, occur in about a four-month period and are sustainable over a lifetime. Photographs and measurements are taken throughout the therapy program to show progression of the treatment and results.

Correcting Habits In Young Chilrdren

Thumb sucking, pacifier habits, nail biting, and venous pooling (dark circles under the eyes) are just a few of the disorders Epic Dentistry’s Orofacial Myology addresses. The prolonged habits of thumb/finger sucking, and pacifier use can alter the normal growth pattern of a child’s face causing high palatal arches, open mouth postures, malocclusion, and elongated facial growth. The tone of facial muscles can be weak in children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Bell’s Palsy, and other neurological disorders. An individualized program developed by Epic Dentistry’s Orofacial Myology will help correct abnormal lip, tongue, jaw resting and functioning patterns which can improve daily functions of speech and eating patterns for these children. Our therapy is non-invasive and uses no drug therapy. It is neuro-muscular based. A typical therapy program takes about 4 months and requires daily exercises by the patient for a few minutes, three times a day, to achieve correct lip, tongue and jaw resting and functioning patterns. Lasting results are often dramatic, occur in about a four-month period and are sustainable over a lifetime. Photographs and measurements are taken throughout the therapy program to show progression of the treatment and results.

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