Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles used for speaking, swallowing, and chewing. It works to correct improper muscle patterns and strengthen weak areas that can compromise communication or eating skills.

What Are Myofunctional Disorders?

A myofunctional disorder is a neuromuscular condition that affects the normal movements and functions of the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. The most common symptom associated with this disorder is difficulty or an inability to properly close the lips together when resting or speaking. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing

• Increased snoring

• Excessive salivation

• Frequent airway obstruction during sleep

• Jaw pain and tightness

• Teeth grinding or bruxism

• Poor facial muscle coordination and strength

• Impaired speech 

• Changes in tongue posture

Although myofunctional disorders can have serious effects on a person’s health and quality of life, it's encouraging to know that there are solutions out there for those living with it! 

If you think you may be experiencing this condition, it's important to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional so they can help determine the best treatment approach for your needs.

Myofunctional Therapy: Goals

The main goal of myofunctional treatment is to make long-lasting, healthy changes in the way muscles work to improve airway health. Treatment plans are individualized to fit each patient's unique needs, but some typical goals are: 

• Improving facial muscle tone

• Developing new habits around posture, breathing, swallowing, and speech

• Reducing snoring or mouth breathing

• Correcting improper tongue positioning

• Strengthening face, neck, and jaw muscles

Addressing these at their root cause can help treat issues such as sleep apnea, TMJ disorder (TMD), bruxism (teeth grinding), allergies, sinus problems, and other related conditions. 

Ultimately, patients undergoing myofunctional therapy can look forward to improved overall health and well-being.

What Can You Expect From Myofunctional Therapy

Treatment typically involves exercises to improve oral habits, such as breathing through the nose instead of the mouth while sleeping or talking and increasing awareness of proper tongue placement while speaking or eating. 

Myofunctional therapists are trained in various techniques that help retrain the muscles used for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Therapists may use postural exercises, facial massage, vocal exercises, and jaw relaxation exercises to strengthen these muscles.

During myofunctional therapy sessions, your therapist will use various techniques, like postural guidance, facial massage, vocal exercises, and jaw relaxation exercises, to help you improve the strength and tone of these muscles. 

Doing so can help alleviate any symptoms you may be experiencing due to weak or misused mouth muscles.

There's strong evidence that this therapy can be life-changing for individuals of all ages and with varying conditions, from addressing sleep apnea and boosting lip strength to enhancing facial structure in children. 

With regular practice and guidance from an experienced therapist or orthodontist in Kitchener, you can also see excellent results with myofunctional therapy.

Speak to an Orthodontist in Kitchener, ON, About Myofunctional Therapy

Whether you’re looking to address a speech disorder or sleep apnea, myofunctional therapy can be an effective alternative treatment option for you. It’s non-invasive and 100% safe, so don't hesitate to talk to your dentist or trusted orthodontist in your area about it today! 

To request an appointment with an orthodontist in Kitchener, ON, get in touch with us at Orthodontic Smile Studio. We're happy to share more information about myofunctional therapy during your visit.

This website uses cookies.

Accept