Myofunctional Therapy

WHAT IS OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?

Myology means the study of "muscle". Oral myology deals with the movements and functions of all the mouth muscles during rest, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.

Having the muscles functioning correctly is important, though we are never taught it. Many activities "teach" the muscles from birth on, and often the wrong habits are established. Then, the muscles influence the growth of the face, jaws, and teeth improperly, resulting in a number of early warning signs.

Myofunctional Therapy is the re-patterning of the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles through a series of specialized exercises and behavior modification techniques. Dr. Wells is a certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology and is passionate about helping patients experience health and wellness at their full genetic potential.

What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD's)?
- Forward head and slouched posture
- Long face
- Mouth/lips open resting posture, mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting in speaking/swallowing
- Thumb/finger sucking, tongue, lip sucking
- Nail biting or lip licking
- Restricted frenums (Tongue tie)

Consequences of OMD's:
- Affects the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment
- Could lead to orthodontic relapse/crooked teeth
- Facial growth and development
- May affect breastfeeding
- Development of a forward head posture
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions
- Frequent headaches and migraines
- Related to Sleep Breathing Disorders (SBD)
- Gum disease
- Middle ear drainage issues
- Impacts the work of professions in orofacial area

WHO DOES MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY HELP?
Those undergoing TMD treatments
Those undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment
Those experiencing orthodontic relapse
Mouth breathers
Those who clench and grind
Those who have had nasal surgery or tonsillectomy
Those with facial asymmetry
Tongue thrusters
Those with a tongue tie/tongue restrictions
Those with bad oral habits such as nail biting, tongue or thumb sucking
Those who used a sippy cup, pacifier, or bottle for too long
Those with allergies, enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or turbinates
Those with ADD/ADHD
Those with sleep breathing disorders
Pre- and Post-op frenectomy’s (tongue ties/tethers)
Post-op Orthognathic surgery

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is an interdisciplinary practice. A Specialist in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy works in partnership with other professionals such as dentists, doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, nurses and psychologists.

LIP & TONGUE TIE
Tethered oral tissues (TOTS) is a term meaning either a condition where the normal range of motion of the tongue and/or lip(s) is restricted due to being too highly attached to the floor of the mouth or the face. Simply said, a tie cannot go away on its own and a child cannot “grow out of a tie”. However, the symptoms and compensations caused by a tongue tie can change at different points in our lives.

Most tongue ties (even a “minor/mild” one) prevent normal development of the palate, facial structures, nasal cavity and the airway. The consequences of these growth and development changes can be far reaching.

A frenectomy is an outpatient procedure performed by a highly trained specialist with local anesthesia only. A laser, or other method, is used to reduce the tension preventing the tongue tie from moving freely.

Some common areas affected by lip/tongue ties are:
- Sleep
- Breastfeeding
- Muscle tension, spinal alignment and posture
- Jaw joints (TMJ)
- Head, ear, nose, and throat
- Teeth, bite, and oral hygiene
- Facial appearance
- Breathing
- Speech

Dr. Wells is a certified specialist in Orofacial Myology, and has completed advanced training in the evaluation of tethered oral tissues as well as the therapy needed when a frenectomy is performed.