Myofunctional therapy is a growing trend in the world of dentistry, and for good reason. Myofunctional therapy has been shown to improve the function of the tongue, lips, and cheeks, reduce oral movement dysfunction, and promote proper jaw and craniofacial development. This raises the question: can myofunctional therapy be used to expand the palate in adults, and if so, what are the results? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence surrounding this subject and discuss some of the jaw-dropping results that have been seen.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of exercise-based which involves a combination of specific exercises and techniques that are designed to improve the function of the orofacial muscles. These exercises can help to correct orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), which are disorders that affect the way that the orofacial muscles work together. OMDs can impact a variety of functions, including breathing, swallowing, and speech.
The Connection Between Myofunctional Therapy and Palate Expansion
There is growing evidence to suggest that myofunctional therapy can be used to expand the palate in adults. This is because the tongue and orofacial muscles play a large role in palatal development. When individuals experience OMDs or improper tonsil and adenoid function, it can affect the movement of the tongue and lead to maladaptive palatal growth, and jaw displacement. Myofunctional therapy can be used to correct these issues, which in turn can help to promote proper palatal development.
The Evidence Surrounding Myofunctional Therapy and Palate Expansion
In one study, 455 patients with OMDs were assessed to determine the impact that myofunctional therapy had on palatal expansion. The results of the study showed that after 6 months of myofunctional therapy, the participants showed significant improvement in palatal width, as well as greater stability in the tongue and orofacial muscles. In another study of 202 participants, myofunctional therapy was found to improve palatal development and reduce the risk of mouth breathing, which has been linked to poor palatal development in adults.
Additional Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
In addition to the potential for palatal expansion, myofunctional therapy has been shown to offer a number of additional benefits for adults. For example, myofunctional therapy can help to improve breathing, swallowing, speech, and chewing patterns. Myofunctional therapy can also help to reduce neck and back pain, and even improve sleep quality.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is a unique and effective treatment approach that can be used to help adults with orofacial myofunctional disorders. In addition to improving the function of the orofacial muscles, myofunctional therapy has been shown to offer a number of additional benefits, including improving palatal development. The evidence surrounding myofunctional therapy and palate expansion is promising and when combined with the strong evidence for improvement in other areas of orofacial function make myofunctional therapy an exciting and groundbreaking option for adults. If you’re interested in myofunctional therapy and whether it could benefit you, it’s always a good idea to speak with your dentist or orthodontist.