Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

What is myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is an exercise-based therapy used to treat disorders of the face, neck, head, and mouth in children and adults. These disorders are called orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). Think of myofunctional therapy as physical therapy for your mouth and face muscles – it’s similar to taking your face to the gym.

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are disorders that negatively affect the growth and development of the muscles and bones of the face and mouth. As a result, OMDs can interfere with proper function of the muscles of the face and mouth that are used for necessary functions such as eating, talking, and breathing. Myofunctional therapy addresses a range of OMDs by strengthening and retraining the face, mouth and throat muscles. Our muscle memory will allow our teeth and jaws to align properly as we grow and develop.

Myofunctional Therapy for Children

Childhood is a critical time for physical, mental, emotional and behavioral development. When children develop improper harmony of the orofacial muscles early on in life, it can lead to underdeveloped facial structures. There are many root causes including harmful oral habits, chronic congestion, narrow nasal passages, large adenoids and/or tonsils and oral ties. We often collaborate with other specialty providers to treat the root causes.

The goal of myofunctional therapy is to retrain your child’s underdeveloped and overdeveloped facial muscles. Proper tongue placement, swallowing, and chewing can be maximized to their full potential and function by engaging and strengthening the tongue and orofacial muscles. Our myofunctional therapists will customize a program for your child with specific exercises to help correct their OMDs.

Myofunctional Therapy for Children

Signs & Symptoms of OMDs

Lips are positioned apart at rest
Rolled-out upper lip
Chronic chapped lips
Flattening or wrinkling of the chin when lips are closed
Gummy smile
Insufficient tongue space
Tongue thrust
Overactive gag reflex
Forward resting head posture
Breastfeeding difficulties
Chewing and swallowing difficulties
Dark circles under eyes
Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome

Causes of OMDs

Prolonged thumb/finger sucking
Prolonged bottle, sippy cups or pacifier use
Nail biting
Obstructed or restricted upper airway
Deviated septum
Low resting tongue posture
Lip/tongue ties
Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
Chronic mouth breathing
Family history of OMDs
Genetic defects
Developmental delays
Neurological defects

When OMDs are Left Undiagnosed or Untreated

Sleep disordered breathing
Snoring
Narrow Palate
Crowded/Crooked teeth
Cross bite
Orthodontic relapse
Craniofacial growth and appearance concerns
Restricted facial development
Inadequate jaw growth
Jaw pain/TMD
Atypical Swallowing
Improper chewing technique
Food aversions and texture issues
Digestive problems
Headaches
Head/neck pain and tension
Higher risk of dental cavities due to dry mouth
Postural issues
Breathing impairment
Increased seasonal allergies
Asthma
Chronic sore throats, swollen tonsils and swollen adenoids
Tongue thrust
Speech impairment and speech delays
Poor oral hygiene

Goals of Myofunctional Therapy

Eliminate oral habits
Achieve comfortable and easy breathing through the nose all day and all night.
Keep your lips sealed together at rest all day and all night.
Achieve an ideal resting tongue posture at the roof of your mouth, which includes a stable relationship and no compensation with the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw
Maximize the muscles of the tongue to their optimal function before, during and after a lingual frenectomy.
Develop correct swallow pattern with food and drink.
Create lifelong habits that will help you live a healthier and happier life.

Bend (Westside)
400 SW Bond St. #100
Bend, Oregon 97702

Bend (Eastside)
2357 NE Conners Ave. #210
Bend, Oregon 97701

Redmond, Oregon
3818 SW 21st St. #102
Redmond, OR 97756