At first, it might seem like the proper use of the mouth and nearby structures is intuitive. For many people, it is. For others, though, certain anatomical abnormalities or learned habits can lead to the misuse of these structures. In turn, this may cause a range of problems. Myofunctional therapy in Stage College can help! What exactly is this treatment, and how might it be able to benefit you? This blog post provides valuable information.
An Introduction to Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy is basically a specialized form of physical therapy that is designed to retrain and strengthen the muscles of your mouth, face, and throat. The goal is to improve the way you breathe, chew, swallow, and speak, addressing both anatomical and behavioral issues that may be affecting your overall health.
Some of the most common benefits that patients enjoy as a result of myofunctional therapy include:
- Improved breathing, especially during sleep
- Improvements in swallowing and chewing patterns
- Reduced TMJ pain and related discomfort
- Enhanced speech clarity and articulation
- Better facial muscle balance and tone
Do You Need Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy can be an option for people of virtually all ages and walks of life. Here are some indications that you might need it:
- You frequently breathe through your mouth, especially when you are asleep.
- You chronically snore or have other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
- It is challenging for you to properly chew or swallow food. You might find certain textures to be particularly challenging.
- It is difficult for you to clearly enunciate your words.
- You experience jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms of TMJ disorder.
- You have an improper resting tongue position. For example, it might sit too far forward and push against your teeth.
- You have a history of dental misalignment, a tongue or lip tie, or other issues that affect the function of your oral structures.
What to Expect with Myofunctional Therapy
When you begin myofunctional therapy, your therapist will assess your oral habits and muscle function. You will receive a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to practice at home and during sessions. These activities involve gentle movements and repetitive tasks that target specific muscle groups, gradually improving your ability to breathe, swallow, and speak properly. Myofunctional therapy is non-invasive, but it may involve mild discomfort as your muscles learn to work in new ways.
Sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes and occur weekly or biweekly. Your team will monitor your progress, and adjustments will be made to your exercises as you advance. Most patients need around 6 – 12 months of therapy to achieve the best possible results.
Myofunctional therapy could significantly improve your quality of life! Seek a consultation if you believe it might be right for you.
Meet the Practice
At Centre Smiles Dental, we have an on-staff myofunctional therapist. Renee Marks has trained in Los Angeles with the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences and regularly expands her knowledge through continuing education. If you believe you might benefit from myofunctional therapy, she and our team would be pleased to assist you. Contact our State College office at 814-826-3767.