Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: A Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
Facial muscles, nerves, and the tongue are responsible for many daily functions, such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. When someone has an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), the muscles in this area don’t work as they should. This affects bone development, swallowing, speech, temporomandibular joint function, facial appearance, etc.
Below, we discuss what types of conditions can result from OMDs and how orofacial myofunctional therapy can help.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea commonly results from OMDs and the anatomical abnormalities associated with them. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea can also be caused by things like allergies or enlarged tonsils.
It causes a chronic lack of substantial oxygen intake during rest. It has been associated with depression, ADHD, headaches, reduced lifespan, snoring, drowsiness, and other health issues. Treating sleep apnea is necessary to prevent serious complications.
At Beyond Smiles, we provide comprehensive treatment to all our patients with sleep apnea in Park Ridge. Depending on the cause of your condition, we may recommend myofunctional therapy for sleep apnea as a treatment plan.
UARS
Another condition similar to sleep apnea, but not quite as severe, is upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). UARS is a form of sleep disordered breathing. It’s not unusual for a child or adult who has tested negative for sleep apnea to still suffer from significant breathing issues, bite misalignment, and other conditions.
UARS often leads to many symptoms associated with sleep apnea, such as daytime drowsiness, lack of concentration, etc.
What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional therapy exercises oral and facial muscles, allowing for better growth and development. It includes special exercise techniques to help improve tongue placement, breathing, chewing, and swallowing. The muscles involved usually include those of the jaw, cheeks, tongue, throat, and even lips.
In order to address sleep apnea or UARS caused by an OMD, customizable facial exercises are recommended by orofacial myofunctional therapists to retrain the affected muscles.
As noted above, untreated OMDs can lead to other problems besides just sleep disordered breathing. Orofacial therapy can help treat speech issues, dental concerns (e.g. tooth shifting or bite misalignment), tense facial muscles, drooling, and more.
The Goals of Myofunctional Therapy:
- Improve Nasal Breathing
Mouth breathing is a habit that can cause narrowing of dental arches, abnormal facial development, and other conditions. Nasal breathing is better for our health for a variety of reasons. It filters the air we breathe, enhances memory, lowers blood pressure, and even makes learning easier.
- Promote Proper Lip Seal
When lips seal correctly it supports the oral structures, encourages nasal breathing, and lessens the risk of tooth decay.
- Encourage Proper Tongue Position
The tongue sits against the roof of the mouth and rests behind the front teeth naturally. However, a weak tongue will not, causing the upper jaw, facial structure, and teeth to have trouble developing. This can lead to crooked teeth or a narrow jaw.
A tongue that lays naturally low in the mouth can also fall back in the throat and instigate breathing problems, like snoring or sleep apnea.
- Improve Swallowing Pattern
If a patient swallows while thrusting their tongue, the teeth can shift and move, causing an open bite. A patient may also frequently swallow air, causing digestive issues.
Who Should Undergo Myofunctional Therapy?
Both children and adults can have orofacial myofunctional disorders, therefore patients of all ages can benefit from myofunctional therapy. Children who receive treatment benefit from the preventative measures therapy offers developing smiles. While adults are able to work through and correct the symptoms of more advanced myofunctional issues.
There are many different conditions that can be treated with myofunctional therapy, including but not limited to, the following:
- Neck and Shoulder Tension
- Chronic Headaches
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Chewing/Swallowing Issues
- Digestive Issues
- Acid Reflux
- Misaligned Bite or Crooked Teeth
- Speech Issues
- TMJ and Facial Pain
- Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding
- Forward Head Posture
- Mouth Breathing
- Tongue-Tie
- Tongue Thrust
- ADHD
If you’re interested in finding a source for orofacial myofunctional therapy near Park Ridge, IL, contact Beyond Smiles. Our team is here to help you build healthy oral habits and achieve an improved quality of life.
Myofunctional Disorders & Orthodontics
If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and have an OMD, you may need to wear braces for a longer period. OMDs can also cause teeth to shift after braces are removed.
The Role of an Oral Myofunctional Therapist
Myofunctional therapists are specially skilled in helping patients develop good muscular habits and resolving issues like tongue thrust and mouth breathing.
Breaking these habits can be difficult, since the body has usually developed them over a long period of time. However, myofunctional therapists can help patients re-train their muscles with special tools and exercises.
Your Myofunctional Therapist Near Park Ridge, IL
If you’re dealing with an OMD, contact Beyond Smiles today! Find out more information about our services and treatment options. We offer everything from orofacial therapy for sleep apnea to myofunctional orthodontics near Park Ridge, IL.