The 4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
01. Nasal Breathing
We are designed to breathe through our noses. Our noses warm, filter and add moisture to the air as well as release essential Nitric Oxide.
02. Lip Seal
Our lips should rest together naturally and comfortably at all times. When your mouth is closed, you breathe more efficiently, sleep better and have a lower risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
03. Correct Tongue Posture
When the tongue rests at the roof of the mouth, it provides an internal support structure for the orofacial complex. If your tongue is in the correct place at all times, teeth will be straighter, faces will develop properly, and pain can be alleviated by allowing the jaw to relax.
04. Correct Swallowing Pattern
An improper swallowing pattern is more likely to cause you to swallow small amounts of air when you eat and drink. This may result in digestive issues such as acid reflux, stomach pain, gas and bloating. An improper swallow such as a tongue thrust may put force on teeth resulting in misaligned teeth, ortho relapse or an open bite.
An open mouth posture with a low resting tongue is more than just a bad habit.
Mouth breathing in children leads to problems with facial growth and development, and adults who mouth breathe are more likely to snore and develop sleep apnea. See diagram here.
Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia)
Tongue-tie is a condition in which an unusually short, thick or tight band of connective tissue (fascia) tethers the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This common condition that often goes undetected can have dramatic effects such as:
Mouth breathing
Chronic jaw pain
Improper growth of the orofacial complex
Headache/migraine
Clinching and grinding
Dental and orthodontic issues
Sleep disordered breathing
Improper swallow
Releasing a restrictive tongue-tie is now an integral part of achieving craniofacial growth and dental health.
Frenectomy/Frenuloplasty
Most often a tongue-tie must be treated surgically. It is a simple, fast, and relatively painless procedure done by a dentist using a laser and/or surgical scissors. Finding a specially trained doctor is very important.
It is critical to do Myofunctional Therapy exercises before the procedure for a successful outcome. A series of exercises will be prescribed to help strengthen and prepare the muscles of the tongue for the new range of motion they will experience post-surgery.
Your Myofunctional Therapist will also help guide the patient through wound care. If the wound is not managed properly, it is possible the tongue will scar back to the restricted position prior to surgery.
After the tongue-tie release, the tongue and oral muscles will need to continue to be retrained and strengthened just like any other surgery where physical rehabilitation is required.
Frenectomy with Myofunctional Therapy: Exploring Safety and Efficacy
