Myofunctional Therapy in Toowoomba
Our dental practice is fortunate to have Kristy, our Myofunctional Specialist, as part of Seven Springs Dental’s tight-knit team.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy is a development of exercises that train facial muscles to correctly engage when chewing, swallowing and breathing. Although patients may feel that this is just natural, many signs provide evidence of a functional imbalance of the facial muscles. Myotherapy helps to train correct tongue positioning and in addition strengthens the correct muscles which encourages proper facial development in children as they are growing and can correct weaknesses in adults.
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Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Myotherapy has proven results in stimulating forward growth of the jaw and can help to improve arch form minimising potential crowding of teeth, whilst an amended lip seal can provide encouragement to resolve protruding anterior teeth.
There are a number of causes that can relate to improper development of the facial muscles:
- Mouth Breathing
- Thumb Sucking
- Bottle Feeding and Pacifier Use
- Tongue and Lip Ties
- Tongue Thrusts
- Reverse Swallow
- Inadequate Lip Seal
- Incorrect Resting Tongue Position
How it Works
Myofunctional Therapy is targeted treatment and recommendations to change the moment of the muscles to modify jaw and dental development. Successful and compliant treatment of a patient improves the opportunity for the jaw to accommodate all teeth in the arch which in turn may relieve crowding and straighten the teeth naturally but may not relieve the necessity for orthodontic involvement completely.
Does My Child Require Treatment?
After a myofunctional evaluation, a treatment plan is developed to correct the identified habit or weakness in the facial muscles. From this initial diagnosis, you may receive a referral to an ENT Specialist, a place of action to relieve a habit, exercises to encourage repatterning of the muscles or a Myofunctional training appliance to promote correct orofacial movement and compliance.
Myofunctional Therapy can be provided to anyone, however, is most successfully integrated whilst the patient is growing between the ages of 8-15 years. Adults can still commence treatment and experience treatment success. Treatment time varies depending on patient compliance, and the concern being addressed.
Request a Consultation
To organise a Myofunctional Evaluation with our Myofunctional Therapist Kristy, please contact our friendly front office staff.
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