Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that focuses on the muscles of the face and mouth, particularly those involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. The therapy aims to correct improper muscle function, often related to oral habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and abnormal swallowing patterns. These behaviors can impact oral health, facial development, and speech, and may contribute to problems like misaligned teeth, poor posture, and speech disorders.
The therapy typically involves exercises that help individuals strengthen and retrain the muscles of the mouth, tongue, lips, and jaw. For example, myofunctional therapy may include exercises to encourage proper tongue posture, improve nasal breathing, and teach correct swallowing patterns. These exercises are often personalized and gradually increase in complexity to help the individual develop healthy, functional oral habits.
Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, from children with developmental oral issues to adults experiencing the effects of long-standing improper muscle function. It is commonly used alongside orthodontic treatment to ensure long-term results by improving muscle balance and supporting the proper alignment of teeth and jaws. By addressing muscle dysfunction early on, myofunctional therapy can promote better oral health, speech clarity, and overall well-being.