ORTHODONTICS AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

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Orthodontic and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can be closely related with each directly impacting the other. Every case is unique and must be analyzed and discussed by the professionals involved.   Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy promotes a balance of the muscle and orofacial functions, improving the oral rest posture of the tongue and therefore, helping diminish orthodontic relapse after the removal of braces. 

OMT can be done before, during, or after orthodontics treatment. 

 The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children be seen by an Orthodontist no later than age 7.  Through early orthodontic intervention, it prevents more serious problems from developing, helps develop wider jaws and arches, and lessens the need for extractions. Maxillary expansion can help improve nasal breathing and sleep in children.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can help eliminate habits, such as tongue thrust that may interfere with and prolong orthodontic treatment or that may cause relapse. 

There are habit appliances that are designed and developed to stop the thrusting swallow. However, once the appliance is removed, the tongue-thrust may still be present as these appliances do not encourage the proper rest posture of the oral muscles.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is the best form of treatment to treat a tongue-thrust long-term.  By accomplishing the 4 Goal of Myofunctional Therapy, it will retrain the orofacial muscles and restore their normal position and functions aiding in the correct movement of the teeth during orthodontic treatment and resulting to long-lasting positive results.