Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

At Revive Orofacial Therapy and Wellness Center, we believe that adverse myofunctional habits can contribute to several treatable conditions. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy ( OMT ) consists of exercises, muscular behavioral techniques, and redirection of neuromuscular pathways that are meant to improve the strength, resting position, tone, and habits of the facial and oropharyngeal muscles, including the tongue. This treatment can restore the function of the mouth and it can also improve clarity of the airway while asleep. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy can improve sleep apnea symptoms, help TMD symptoms, encourage proper jaw growth in children, and energize your life by allowing you to rest peacefully. Below, you will find a list of conditions and habits OMT addresses:

Hyperactivity / Lack of Focus

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There is a clinical link between the causes of poor sleep and its connection to ADHD symptoms. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy focuses on those causes.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

EDS is one of the most common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Studies suggest that the recurring cycle of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation asscociated with OSA may lead to changes in the brain. This disruption in neurologic function may manifest itself as EDS.

TMJ Pain or Discomfort

Symptoms include pain/tenderness in head/neck/shoulder/ear area during chewing, speaking or opening wide as well as clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the joint. Trouble chewing, uncomfortable bite, facial swelling, toothaches, dizziness, hearing problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) are also indications of TMD

Clenching and/or Grinding

Mouth Breathing

Can lead to bad breath, periodontal disease, gingivitis, cavities, throat and ear infections. May result in low blood oxygen associated with high blood pressure, heart failure, and increased asthmatic symptoms. Mouth breathing during childhood can lead to developing long narrow faces, narrow mouths, gummy smiles, malocclusion, poor posture, poor sleep, poor growth, poor academic performance, and inability to concentrate.

Proper Nasal Breathing

Exclusively breathing through your nose and engaging your diaphragm is taught in conjunction with Myofunctional Therapy.

Snoring

A sign of sleep disordered breathing, snoring can be caused by a narrowed airway and can lead to obstructive sleep apnea and it's associated problems if left untreated

Thumb/Object Sucking

Inhibits proper tongue positioning in the palate and may cause malocclusions. Can contribute to speech problems, sleep, airway, and social issues if habit is not broken at an appropriate age.

Maloclussion

Malocclusions can be caused by improper tongue postures and incorrect breathing and swallowing patterns during growth and development.

Different types of malocclusions can contribute to unhealthy teeth wearing and jaw discomfort. Crooked and crowded teeth Can be caused by narrow jaws due to inadequate tongue posture during growth and development can contribute to periodontal disease, tooth wear, and jaw discomfort.

Proper Resting Tongue Posture

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Proper resting and swallowing tongue position is located with the entire tongue on the palate, with the tip of the tongue resting just behind the upper front teeth. Improper positioning of the tongue during rest or swallow can result in a tongue thrust, reverse swallow, airway obstruction, clenching/grinding, and misaligned teeth.