What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are patterns involving oral and orofacial musculature that interfere with normal growth, development or function of orofacial structures. While children are most often treated for OMDs, these can also be found in adolescents and adults. OMDs can co-occur with swallowing and speech disorders and may the primary contributing factor. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists identify and provide therapy designed to eliminate maladaptive behaviors so that you or your child can breathe, eat, speak, and sleep freely.
Contributing Factors & Complications of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
- Thumb/finger/tongue sucking patterns
- Open mouth rest posture of the lips
- Forward rest posture of the tongue
- Weak lip muscles (orbicularis oris)
- Difficulty with chewing, gathering, and swallowing solid foods
- Malocclusion
- Orthodontic relapse
- Speech disorders
- Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)
Although, every person is different, our end goal remains the same: FUNCTION!
Common Treatment Goals
- strengthening oral musculature
- ensuring safe swallow of saliva, liquids and solids
- establishing a patent nasal airway and correct oral rest posture
- elimination of nonnutritive sucking
- improving speech sound articulatory placement