Myofunctional therapy
What is a myofunctional disorder?
The functions of the organs and muscles of the human maxillofacial system include sucking, swallowing, chewing, speech, breathing and mimicry. A myofunctional disorder manifests in the incorrect position and dysfunction of the musculature of the face and mouth.
Dental anomalies, changes in the growth and development of the facial skeleton, disturbed posture, oral hygiene problems, etc. occur as a result of myofunctional disorders.
Treatment is carried out in cooperation with other specialists such as an orthodontist, otolaryngologist, sleep doctor, speech therapist, etc.
When to see a myofunctional therapist?
- Bad 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 face, difficulty concentrating)
- Grimacing when swallowing
- Increased saliva flow
- Pressing the tongue between the teeth or to the sides, either 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 position
- Eliminate bad habits related to the mouth
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 need to be done to resolve a specific problem. The therapist teaches, checks and, where necessary, improves the exercises. In order for the treatment to work, it is very important for the patient to strictly follow 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 constantly adjusted according to the patient’s progress and the efficiency of home work.