About Orofacial Myology
What is Orofacial Myology?
Orofacial myology is the study and treatment of the tongue and facial muscles that includes a therapeutic approach for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and parafunctional or harmful habits.
Orofacial myologists are a group of professionals that provide information, education, resources, support, and myofunctional
therapy for families or patients seeking help regarding orofacial myofunctional disorders.
An OMD is any habit or condition that interferes with proper development and action of the orofacial muscles. This includes muscles of the tongue, lips, cheeks and jaw. Incorrect habits and muscle movement patterns can lead to improper development of the teeth, airway, speech, chewing, swallowing, poor sleep quality, and poor resting tongue posture. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders may include:
- Incorrect tongue posture at rest
- Open lips and mouth posture
- Mouth breathing, sleep disordered breathing, and/or sleep apnea
- Incorrect swallowing pattern (tongue thrust)
- Open bite or orthodontic relapse
- TMJ or head and neck pain
- Sucking or biting habits (cheeks or lips)
- Thumb/finger sucking
- Nail biting
- Teeth grinding/clenching
- Tongue or lip tie
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
What are the goals for orofacial myofunctional therapy?
Each person’s therapy plan is individualized, but overall goals are generally to resolve harmful habits and re-learn neuromuscular functions to promote proper growth and development, and restore proper tongue and lip resting postures. Myofunctional therapy can improve your quality of breathing, sleep, and movement so that you can experience what it is like to feel better and function better.
Therapy consists of different phases, which are generally addressed over the course of months. It takes time to unlearn habits and re-pattern new ones. What does a therapy program consist of?
A complimentary screening at my Wichita, Kansas office can identify signs and symptoms of OMDs. A myofunctional assessment will evaluate oral structures and functions, and allow for an individual therapy plan. Each therapy appointment addresses your goals, and we meet on average every two weeks over a period of months. Therapy exercises are given to be done routinely at home. Virtual sessions are offered if you live outside Wichita, Kansas. How does the patient’s and/or parent’s participation affect therapy outcomes?
The patient and parent/guardian must understand that progress and results can be delayed if there is a lack of commitment and daily participation. Therapy goals may require collaboration of other dental or health care providers before or during your myofunctional therapy program.