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orofacial myofunctional therapy, speech therapist, speech therapy

OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are abnormalities of the muscles and the functions of the face and the mouth. This occurs when the position of the jaw, abnormal lip, or tongue interferes with your looks or facial structure, growth, and functions. OMDs often affect eating, talking, breathing and swallowing. 

Who benefits from OMD Therapy?

Common signs or symptoms may include:

  • Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)

  • Tongue Thrust Swallow Pattern

  • Excessive drooling

  • Difficulty producing clear speech

  • Has had speech services for many years without progress

  • Limited tongue movement

  • Overbite / Underbite

  • Breathes with mouth open

  • Snores and/or grinds teeth

  • Difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep

  • Prolonged pacifier use (past 6 months old)

  • Sucks thumb/fingers

Tongue-tie, speech therapy, speech therapist
thumb sucking, speech therapy, speech therapist

What to expect in OMD therapy?

Myofunctional therapy works to normalize oral rest postures, eliminate jaw pain, facilitate nasal breathing, prevent orthodontic relapse, improve articulation, and optimize swallowing function. During your initial visit, our highly trained speech-language pathologists will evaluate oral facial muscle patterns and structures through formal and informal assessment. Assessments are customized to each individual and may include a combination of observations (feeding, talking, breathing, etc.), oral motor examination, language sampling, formalized testing, and background history. At the conclusion of the assessment, we will share the results and make recommendations that include a measurable treatment plan.

Impacts of Untreated
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

OMDs affect all ages and can have a different impact on an individual’s quality of life based on the severity of the disorder and time left untreated. Here are some examples:

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Bedwetting

  • Crooked Teeth

  • Difficulty Nasal Breathing

  • Difficulty Swallowing

  • Drooling

  • Enlarged Tonsils

  • Feeding Difficulties

  • Headaches

  • Heart-shaped Tongue

  • Long Facial Growth

  • Mouth Always Open

  • Poor Sleep

  • Poor Speech

  • Prolonged Oral Habits (Thumb Sucking, Pacifier)

  • Recessed Chin

  • Relapse of Orthodontic Treatment

  • Snoring

  • Teeth Clenching

  • Teeth Grinding

  • TMJ Pain or Jaw Locking/Popping

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