Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are problems caused by improper muscle function and habits that develop over time. These issues can be caused by things like a blocked airway, harmful oral habits, or physical conditions such as a tongue tie or a narrow palate.
OMDs
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Signs & Symptoms
About
Myofunctional Therapy
A myofunctional therapy program will guide patients through exercises to retrain the muscles and help them perform their functions more efficiently. Therapy is commonly used for issues like:
A key aspect of myofunctional therapy is teaching proper tongue posture. When the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth (instead of the bottom of the mouth), it helps promote nasal breathing.
People who breathe through their mouths often struggle with keeping their lips sealed at rest. Myofunctional therapy includes exercises that strengthen the muscles around the lips, encouraging them to stay closed while breathing.
One of the core focuses of myofunctional therapy is to retrain the muscles involved in swallowing. In normal swallowing, the tongue should press against the roof of the mouth, not the teeth.
Muscle imbalances often stem from poor habits or compensations (e.g., tongue thrusting, mouth breathing). Over time, the body “learns“ these habits and forms muscle memory. Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles by encouraging proper movement patterns
In children, muscle imbalances can influence facial and jaw development, leading to problems such as narrow palates or improper bite alignment. Myofunctional therapy can help guide the development of the face and jaw by encouraging proper muscle use. For example, strengthening the tongue and jaw muscles in children can help create space for teeth and promote healthy growth patterns.
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