Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Saskatoon
At Willowgreen Dental, we are dedicated to enhancing your overall well-being through specialized therapy focused on the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. Our skilled team of certified therapists provides personalized treatment plans designed to improve various orofacial conditions, from breathing and swallowing disorders to speech difficulties and dental alignment issues.
Located in Saskatoon, SK, our clinic is equipped with the latest technology and a compassionate approach to ensure you receive the highest standard of care. Whether you are experiencing issues related to tongue movement and posture, sleep apnea, or TMJ disorders, we are here to support you on your journey to optimal orofacial health.
Our myofunctional therapist is on maternity leave. This service will resume upon her return.
Knowing What an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder Is
An orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) involves issues with the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. Think of it as the body’s inability to use these muscles properly for activities such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, and even breathing. This can be caused by habits like thumb suck or tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes forward against the teeth instead of the roof of the mouth.
Addressing these disorders is important because they can affect not just eating and speaking, but also the alignment of teeth and overall oral health.
What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is physical therapy for the muscles of the face and mouth. Its primary objective is to restore normal function of the mouth and tongue, focusing on achieving proper nasal breathing, lip seal, and a high tongue posture at rest. When these functions are not met, abnormal muscle patterns can develop over time, leading to what are known as orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Orofacial Myology, a specialized field within this type of therapy, addresses OMDs that can manifest in various ways, including mouth breathing, low tongue posture at rest, and open mouth resting posture, among others. These disorders are linked to several issues that can negatively impact the quality of life, such as breathing problems, sleep apnea, snoring, orthodontic relapse, and more.
How Does This Therapy Work?
1.
Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step in orofacial myofunctional therapy involves a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis by our professional to identify any orofacial myofunctional disorders. During this initial evaluation, we will thoroughly examine the patient's breathing patterns, check the resting position of the tongue, assess the lip seal when at rest, and observe the function of the facial and oral muscles. This detailed assessment helps to us understand the specific issues and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
2.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment results, we will create a highly personalized treatment plan that is formulated and tailored to the specific needs of the patient. This plan involves designing targeted myofunctional exercises that aim to retrain and strengthen the muscles of the face and mouth. By focusing on individual requirements, the therapy plan ensures that each patient receives the most efficient interventions to address their unique orofacial myofunctional disorders.
3.
Myofunctional Exercises
During therapy sessions, patients are guided through a series of orofacial myofunctional therapy exercises designed to improve various aspects of orofacial functioning. These exercises enhance oral rest posture, ensuring that the tongue rests correctly in the mouth even when not actively speaking or eating. They also aim to promote proper tongue placement against the roof of the mouth, which is important for proper swallowing and speech.
4.
Behavioral Adjustments
A critical component of our orofacial myofunctional therapy involves addressing and modifying detrimental habits that contribute to orofacial myofunctional disorders. Patients are educated on the importance of changing behaviors such as mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or prolonged pacifier use. These habits can greatly impact the health and functionality of the orofacial region.
5.
Tracking Progress
To ensure the effectiveness of the therapy, periodic appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress closely. During these sessions, we will review the patient’s adherence to the prescribed exercises and any behavioral adjustments. Any necessary modifications to the treatment plan can be made based on the patient’s progress or challenges encountered.
6.
Outcome Evaluation
At the end of the therapy program, a thorough outcome evaluation is conducted to verify that the treatment objectives have been met. This comprehensive assessment checks for improvements in nasal breathing, correct tongue posture, and optimal orofacial muscle function. It is a critical step to ensure that the patient has achieved the intended benefits of the therapy. Additionally, the evaluation helps determine whether the patient needs further intervention or adjustments.
Signs of OMD
- Mouth Breathing. One of the primary signs of OMD is breathing through the mouth instead of the nose, which can lead to various breathing issues and is often observed during both rest and sleep.
- Low Tongue Posture at Rest. A low resting tongue posture is common in individuals with OMDs. This can lead to tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the teeth while swallowing or speaking, causing further complications.
- Facial Growth and Development. An open-mouth resting posture can hinder proper facial growth and development, leading to abnormal or asymmetrical facial structures over time.
- Speech Problems. Thrusting the tongue while swallowing or speaking can disrupt normal speech patterns and lead to articulation issues, making it difficult to pronounce certain sounds correctly.
- Orthodontic Relapse. OMDs are often linked to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, where improper muscle function in the mouth and throat interferes with normal breathing during sleep.
- Narrowing of the Palate. Another sign of OMD is a high, narrow palate, which can restrict the space available for teeth and affect the alignment of the dental arches.
- Jaw Pain and Teeth Grinding. Chronic jaw pain and teeth grinding (bruxism) are common symptoms. These result from strained or improperly functioning muscles of the face and mouth.
- Facial Pain. Persistent headaches, migraines, or facial pain can be indicators of OMD, often resulting from tension and imbalance in the facial muscles.
- Posture Issues. The muscle imbalances caused by OMD can lead to poor posture, contributing to chronic neck and shoulder pain or tension.
- Feeding Difficulties. Infants with OMDs may struggle with breastfeeding, exhibiting difficulties in latching or maintaining a proper suckling pattern.
- Harmful Oral Habits. Prolonged thumb or finger-sucking beyond infancy is another sign of OMD. This habit can contribute to abnormal oral muscle patterns and dental issues.
- Chronic Ear Infections. Frequent ear infections, particularly in childhood, can be linked to OMD due to improper function of the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tubes.
- Behavioral Concerns. Some children with OMDs may exhibit behaviors similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including difficulty concentrating and hyperactivity, potentially stemming from disrupted sleep patterns and breathing issues, which can impact their normal growth and development.
Ready for a Healthier Smile? Start Your OMD Therapy Journey at Willowgreen Dental: Contact Us Now!
Orofacial myofunctional therapy offers a tailored and comprehensive approach to improving orofacial health through personalized treatment plans, targeted exercises, behavioral adjustments, and collaboration with other professionals.
By addressing the root causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders and diligently tracking progress, patients can achieve long-lasting results. If you are seeking “orofacial myofunctional therapy near me,” consider Willowgreen Dental for expert care.
Ready to enhance your orofacial health? Contact Willowgreen Dental today to schedule your assessment and start your personalized myofunctional therapy journey. Your path to better orofacial health begins here!
Get In Touch With us
Address
Willowgreen Dental 104-1848 McOrmond Drive
Saskatoon SK S7S 0A5
Phone Number
(306) 955-2400
info@willowgreendental.com
Hours of Operation
Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am – 3:00pm