Orofacial Myology

 

Fill out the form below to speak to someone about Orofacial Myology Therapy options we offer. Our
orofacial myology specialists provide individualized treatment to address tongue thrust and other noxious habits (thumb sucking, nail biting, etc.).

Our specially trained therapist provides therapy to address tongue thrust and other noxious habits (thumb sucking, nail biting, etc.).

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve inappropriate muscle functions of habits involving the tongue, lips, and/or jaw that can negatively affect chewing, swallowing, dentition, speech, or maintenance of desired orthodontic results.

The 4 Primary OMDs

  • Abnormal Tongue Rest Posture

  • Abnormal Lip Rest Posture

  • Tongue Thrust

  • Noxious Oral Habits

    • Nail biting, thumb/finger/lip and other sucking habits

Consequences of OMDs

  • Movement of dentition

  • Decreased effectiveness of orthodontic treatment

  • Decreased dental health (increased cavities, decay)

  • Undesired facial structures/appearance

  • Eating/swallowing issues

  • Speech problems (most common errors are /s, z, sh, ch, th/)

  • TMJ issues

Treatment

  • Behavioral Therapy

    • Provided by an Orofacial Myologist

    • 3-Step Program ranging from 10 days to 6 months

    • Long term successful solution

    • Children as young as 4 years old through adults can benefit

    • Requires client buy-in and compliance with practice and homework

Tongue Thrust Red Flags

  • Noxious Oral Habits

    • Nail biting, thumb/finger/lip and other sucking habits

  • Mouth breathing/Open mouth rest posture

  • Movement of dentition

  • Poor oral hygiene

    • Cavities, decay, gum disease

  • Messy eater

    • Big bites, food all over face, chewing with mouth open

  • Swallowing problems

    • Choking, Needs liquid to assist with swallow

  • Picky eater

    • Avoids foods difficult to chew (meat, nuts, etc.)

  • Speech problems

    • Lisp, Errors on /s, z, sh, ch/