Treatments

Myofunctional Appliances

Breathing is a natural process, but breathing can be challenging for some people. Fishes need water to live. Similarly, we humans need oxygen to live. Our teeth, breathing, and speech are all influenced by the orofacial muscles. The position of these muscles while working or resting can impact whether we have straight, healthy teeth or large, healthy sinuses.

The way the mouth functions determines a lot of how children grow, develop, and function. Some children require a specific therapy targeted towards optimizing oral function.

This therapy is called orofacial myofunctional therapy. Oral Myofunctional Therapy involves remediation and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders through neuromuscular reeducation. The oral structure and functions targeted are those involved in speech, feeding, swallowing, breathing, etc.

Symptoms of Myofunctional Disorders in Children

Multiple symptoms may point to your child having an OMD. They can include:

• Tongue thrusting
• Facial pain
• Mouth breathing
• Stomach aches
• Misaligned teeth
• Teeth-grinding
• Speech problems
• Sleep apnea

Children at a higher risk for Oral Myofunctional Disorders if they experience:

• Prolonged bottle-feeding
• Delayed weaning to solid foods
• Allergies
• Nasal obstruction
• Low tongue rest posture
• Thumbsucking and similar habits

What happens if I don’t treat the Oralfacial Myofunctional Disorder?

• Long term mouth breathing
• Interference with growth and development
• Dental malocclusion
• Orthodontic relapse
• Speech disorders
• Swallowing dysfunction
• TMJ disorders
• Development of sleep apnea

Are you worried, looking at the symptoms. Don’t overthink, grab your phone and visit RR Dental Hospital. We offer best care to our patients.