What is Myofunctional Therapy and How Can It Benefit Me?
Gone are the days when a beautiful, healthy smile was simply a matter of good oral hygiene and the occasional trip to the dentist. While these are still important, it’s increasingly recognized that the way we use our mouths and the alignment of our teeth and jaws can have a powerful impact on the health of our teeth and gums, as well as how we look. One of the most promising new approaches to promoting a healthy, beautiful smile is myofunctional therapy.
Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that is designed to promote the correct alignment of the tongue, as well as the lips and jaw. It can be used to correct many types of malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and jaws. It can also address a range of other issues, like breathing problems, chronic jaw pain, and snoring or sleep apnea. In adults, it’s typically used to correct any misalignment of the jaw or teeth that was missed during adolescence, but it can also treat issues that only develop in adulthood.
What Are the Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy?
There are a number of potential benefits to myofunctional therapy, both in isolation and in combination with other treatments. One of the most important is that it can promote a more attractive smile by correcting any misalignments of the jaws or teeth. This can have a number of secondary benefits, including improved speech and self-esteem.
Because myofunctional therapy focuses on the muscles of the face and mouth, it can also address issues related to poor posture and poor muscle tone. This can result in better breathing, which can improve energy levels and overall health. It can also help keep the airway open while sleeping, which can reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
Myofunctional therapy can also reduce the risk of developing chronic jaw pain. While mild discomfort is common after orthodontic treatment, some people develop a more severe form of chronic pain called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This can be treated with myofunctional therapy, as well as other treatments.
How is Myofunctional Therapy Performed?
Myofunctional therapy is typically performed by a speech pathologist, who has the specialized tools and training to help you make the correct movements with your mouth and tongue. When you begin treatment, the therapist will first assess your individual needs, and then develop a plan to address any misalignments of the mouth and jaw. This will likely include exercises to help strengthen and lengthen the muscles of the mouth and face, as well as ways to use the mouth and tongue correctly in speaking and eating.
The goal of myofunctional therapy is to make lasting changes to the movements of your mouth and tongue. The length of treatment will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the issue in question, but it typically lasts between six months and two years. After the initial treatment period, some people may need to continue performing the exercises for a few months to years to maintain the desired results.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy is a powerful tool for promoting a healthy smile. It can be used to correct many types of misalignments of the jaw and teeth, as well as address issues related to breathing, muscle tone, and speech. If you want to boost your confidence and overall health, myofunctional therapy is worth considering.