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Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an evidence-based modality designed to assess and treat functional disorders of the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. These disorders often manifest in atypical swallowing patterns, improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, and other habits that can influence dental alignment and overall oral health. Combining hands-on osteopathic treatment with OMT provides a holistic method to address orofacial dysfunction and assist with dental malocclusion.

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Common conditions addressed by OMT include:

  • Tongue thrusting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Lip incompetence
  • Incorrect tongue posture
  • Habits like thumb sucking and nail biting
  • Dental malocclusion
  • Dental malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth and jaws, which can lead to functional and aesthetic concerns. Orofacial myology plays a critical role in supporting dental malocclusion by targeting the underlying muscle patterns that contribute to abnormal dental development. Through targeted exercises and habit correction, OMT helps:
    – Promote proper tongue posture (resting on the palate rather than against the teeth)
    – Encourage nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
    – Support correct swallowing patterns, reducing forward pressure on the teeth
    – Enhance lip seal and muscle tone around the mouth
  • These improvements can facilitate orthodontic treatment, improve stability of dental corrections, and reduce the risk of relapse after braces or other interventions.
    Malocclusion and dental issues are often associated with orofacial myofunctional disorders, such as harmful habits like mouth-breathing, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, incorrect swallow patterns, tongue thrusting, weak orofacial muscles, tongue and lip ties. These can disturb the natural growth of the face and jaws resulting in crooked teeth, gum disease, open bite, jaw dysfunction and relapses in orthodontic treatment.
    Orofacial myofunctional therapy, cranial osteopathy and breathing training can help patients of all ages to correct any of these dysfunctions, and often work very well alongside any type of orthodontic treatment.
  • At the Integrated osteopathic centre our osteoapths are trained in OMT and integrate orofacial myology into treatment plans.
    We also run an 8 week intensive OMT program for children and adults with specific exercises tailored to the individual.

Osteopathic Treatment and OMT

Osteopaths use hands-on techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal imbalances, restrictions, and tension throughout the body, including the head, neck, and jaw. When integrated with orofacial myofunctional therapy, osteopathic treatment can address structural barriers that impede optimal muscle function.

Benefits of combining osteopathy with OMT include:

  • Release of tension and restriction in the cranial bones, TMJ, and cervical spine
  • Improved lymphatic and circulatory flow, supporting tissue health and healing
  • Enhanced neuromuscular coordination, making it easier for patients to adopt new muscle patterns
  • Greater comfort during orofacial exercises and reduced pain associated with jaw dysfunction
  • OMT is for all ages

Collaborative treatment

Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a vital tool for addressing dysfunctional muscle patterns that contribute to dental malocclusion and other oral health issues. This collaborative approach used at the integrated ostepathic centre supports not only the correction of malocclusion but also the development of lifelong habits for optimal orofacial wellbeing.

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