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The Synergy of Braces & Myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR: A Comprehensive Approach to Oral Health

Posted by Megan Van Noy on Aug 31 2024, 08:27 AM

Achieving optimal oral health often requires more than just regular dental check-ups. For many individuals, especially children and teenagers, the journey to a healthy smile involves orthodontic treatment. Traditional braces have long been the go-to solution for correcting misaligned teeth, but modern dentistry now recognizes the importance of addressing underlying issues that may contribute to these problems. One such approach is Braces & Myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR. This combined treatment straightens teeth and improves overall oral function, leading to better long-term outcomes. In this blog, we will explore how this synergy works and why finding a skilledDentist in Wilsonville, OR, who offers both treatments is crucial for achieving the best results.

What Are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic devices that correct dental issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. They apply continuous pressure over time to move teeth into the desired position gradually. Traditional braces include metal brackets and wires, while modern alternatives include ceramic braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign. Regardless of the type, braces are highly effective in transforming smiles and improving dental health.

Benefits of Braces

  • Improved Aesthetics:Braces help straighten teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile. This boost in appearance often leads to increased self-confidence.
  • Better Oral Health:Misaligned teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to plaque buildup and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. Braces help align teeth properly, making oral hygieneeasierand more effective.
  • Correct Bite Issues:Bite problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite can lead to issues like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. Braces correct these bite issues, improving overall oral function.
  • Prevention of Future Problems:Addressing alignment and bite issues early on can prevent more severe dental problems, such as tooth wear, fractures, and TMJ disorders.

Understanding Myofunctional Therapy

While braces are highly effective in correcting tooth alignment, they may not address the underlying causes of malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth and jaw). This is where myofunctional therapy comes into play. Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment that focuses on correcting improper functions of the tongue and facial muscles that affect breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech.

The Role of Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy involves a series of exercises designed to retrain the mouth and face muscles. These exercises help in:

Proper Tongue Positioning

The tongue plays a crucial role in maintaining tooth alignment. Improper tongue positioning can push teeth out of place, leading to alignment issues. Myofunctional therapy trains the tongue to rest in the correct position, reducing the risk of relapse after braces.

Correct Swallowing Patterns

Incorrect swallowing patterns, such as tongue thrusting (where the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing), can cause teeth to shift. Myofunctional therapy helps correct these patterns, ensuring the teeth remain in their new positions after orthodontic treatment.

Improved Breathing

Mouth breathing is a common issue that can lead to various oral health problems, including dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Myofunctional therapy encourages nasal breathing, which is healthier for the oral cavity.

Enhanced Speech

Speech issues like lisps can be related to improper tongue positioning and muscle function. Myofunctional therapy addresses these issues, leading toclearerspeech.

The Synergy of Braces & Myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR

When combined,Braces and myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR, offer a comprehensive approach to orthodontic treatment. While braces focus on aligning the teeth, myofunctional therapy addresses the root causes of misalignment, ensuring long-lasting results.

The Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Wilsonville, OR, dentist specializing in braces and myofunctional therapy. During this consultation, the dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Orthodontic Treatment

If braces are recommended, the dentist will begin by placing the braces on your teeth. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to adjust the braces and monitor progress.

Myofunctional Therapy

Alongside the orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy sessions will be scheduled. These sessions typically involve exercises you can perform at home, with regular check-ins with the therapist to track progress.

Ongoing Care

The combination of braces and myofunctional therapy requires ongoing care and monitoring. Your dentist will ensure that both treatments are progressing as planned and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Retention Phase

After the braces are removed, a retainer may be provided to maintain the teeth's new position. Continued myofunctional therapy may also be recommended to reinforce proper oral habits and prevent relapse.

If you are interested in reaping the benefits of the synergy between braces and myofunctional therapy, then you should definitelycontact usat NW Myofunctional Therapy. Here, our expert team of dental professionals provides the best treatment and guides and assists you with care throughout the whole procedure, ensuring that you have a seamless and pleasant experience at our clinic.

Long-Term Benefits

The combination ofBraces & Myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR, offers several long-term benefits, including:

  • Stable Results:By addressing both the alignment of the teeth and the underlying muscle function, the risk of relapse is significantly reduced.
  • Improved Oral Function:Proper tongue positioning, swallowing patterns, and breathing contribute to oral health and function.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics:The combination of treatments straightens teeth and improves facial symmetry and appearance.

Conclusion

The journey to a healthy, beautiful smile is multifaceted. While braces are a tried-and-true method for correcting misaligned teeth, incorporating myofunctional therapy into your treatment plan can enhance the results and ensure long-term success. If you are considering Braces & Myofunctional Therapy in Wilsonville, OR, finding a skilledDentist in Wilsonville, ORwho offers both treatments is essential. This comprehensive approach will give you the smile you desire and improve your oral health and quality of life. With therightcare and dedication, you can achieve a functional and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

If you are interested in braces and myofunctional therapy and can significantly benefit from them, then schedule an appointment with us at NW Myofunctional Therapy, located at 29585 SW Park Pl, Wilsonville, OR 97070. You can also call us at (503) 367-9440 or mail us atmegan@nwmyofunctionaltherapy.comfor bookings and consultations or any queries or concerns. Please visit our official website today to gain a deeper insight into the wide range of services we provide.

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Location

11575 SW Pacific Hwy Ste 135, Tigard, OR 97223

Phone: (503) 367-9440

Office Hours

MON - FRI By appointments only.

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: megan@nwmyofunctionaltherapy.com

Call or Text Us: (503) 367-9440

Email: megan@nwmyofunctionaltherapy.com