Posted by NW MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY on Apr 19 2023, 07:02 AM
Myofunctional therapy is used to treat conditions that may affect a person's ability to chew, swallow, or rest the jaw properly. It can also be used to treat bruxism (teeth grinding). Myofunctional therapy helps correct the alignment of the jaw and teeth. Myofunctional therapy can also help improve facial symmetry.
Myofunctional therapy refers to the branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting oral function and appearance, specifically focusing on how the lips, tongue, alveolar ridge, and surrounding areas work together to promote proper jaw growth and overall oral health. Myofunctional therapy aims to help individuals of all ages who struggle with incorrect oral functions like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, lip biting, posture, and more. Myofunctional therapy is also very effective at treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMD, which is a condition that causes the jaw joints to feel very stiff and painful in the morning when chewing or making certain facial expressions. Myofunctional therapy can be used in conjunction with traditional braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic appliances. It can also be used on its own to treat common issues such as chronic snoring.
Tongue-tie is a condition where the thin tissue under the tongue is too short and restricts normal movement in the mouth. A proper diagnosis is important to ensure a patient does not suffer from speech problems due to this restriction. While many cases of tongue-tie are congenital, they can also be caused by trauma to the mouth during birth. This condition can cause breastfeeding difficulties as well as problems with eating, speaking, and even breathing properly. Because breastfeeding can be difficult with a severe case of tongue-tie, many mothers turn to a lactation consultant for help. However, with help from a myofunctional therapist, patients can correct their tongue-tie and learn how to breastfeed successfully without outside assistance.
During the treatment, we will first evaluate the position of your tongue and how well you are able to move the tongue from side to side. This is to help us determine the extent of the problem. Your treatment plan will then be developed based on your goals and the evaluation results. You may also be given exercises to do at home to strengthen the muscles of the mouth and improve your ability to move the tongue. You will also be instructed on proper breathing techniques to avoid complications.
NW Myofunctional Therapy is equipped with modern amenities and technologies that enable the best treatment opportunities. To know more, please call us at (206) 276-5294, schedule an appointment online or email us at info@nwmyofunctionaltherapy.com to have a consultation with our team in Portland, OR, and we will be happy to help.
MON - FRI By appointments only.
SAT - SUN Closed
