Myofunctional therapy
What is a myofunctional disorder?
The functions of the organs and muscles of the human maxillofacial system include sucking, swallowing, chewing, speaking, breathing and facial expressions. A myofunctional disorder manifests as incorrect position and dysfunction of the musculature of the face and mouth.
As a result of myofunctional disorders, dental anomalies, changes in facial skeletal growth and development, disturbed posture, oral hygiene problems, etc., can occur.
Treatment is carried out in cooperation with other specialists such as an orthodontist, otolaryngologist, sleep specialist, speech therapist, etc.
When to see a myofunctional therapist?
- Bad oral habits related to the mouth (long-term sucking on a finger, thumb, lip or cheek, nail biting, teeth grinding, prolonged use of a feeding bottle or pacifier)
- Breathing through the mouth/mixed breathing instead of breathing through the nose (open mouth, dry lips, tongue low and forward, short upper lip, dark circles around the eyes, elongated facial shape, difficulty concentrating)
- Grimacing during swallowing
- Increased salivation
- Pressing the tongue between the teeth or to the sides, when swallowing or speaking
- Mandibular joint disorders (pain, cracking noise)
- Breathing problems at night (obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring)
- Before and after lingual frenectomy
- After removal of adenoids/tonsils
What are the objectives of myofunctional therapy?
- Form the habit of breathing through the nose
- Achieve lip contact
- Correct the resting position of the tongue
- Correct the swallowing pattern
- Correct body posture
- Eliminate bad oral habits
How does myofunctional therapy work?
A myofunctional therapist prepares an individual treatment plan for the patient, which consists of treatment cycles. Each treatment cycle has its own goal and special exercise plan. During the appointment, it is explained to the patient why and what kind of exercises are necessary to address a specific problem. The therapist teaches, checks and, where necessary, corrects the exercises. For the treatment to be effective, it is crucial that the patient strictly follows the exercise plan at home.
Retraining bad habits is not easy, it requires good cooperation and willingness from both the child and the family.
Myofunctional treatment usually lasts from nine months to two years depending on the child’s age, concomitant treatment, the nature of the problem and the diagnosis.
Appointments usually take place 1–2 times a month and last from 30 minutes to an hour. The treatment plan is continuously adjusted according to the patient’s progress and the effectiveness of home exercises.