At Boisson Dental Group, we believe that comprehensive dental care goes beyond just treating teeth. We offer a holistic approach to dental health, and one of the often-overlooked aspects of oral health is the role of proper muscle function. This is where Myofunctional Therapy comes in.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy (MFT) is a specialized form of treatment designed to help individuals improve the function of their oral and facial muscles. These muscles—such as those involved in chewing, swallowing, and speaking—play a critical role in the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Misalignments or dysfunctions in these muscles can contribute to a variety of dental issues, including malocclusion (bad bite), sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
Myofunctional therapy focuses on correcting bad habits related to tongue posture, lip seal, and swallowing patterns. By engaging in specific exercises designed by a trained therapist, patients can retrain their facial and oral muscles to function in a more natural and effective way.
Common goals of MFT include:
Correcting improper tongue posture
(i.e., ensuring the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth when not in use)
Improving swallowing techniques
(such as swallowing with the tongue placed properly in the mouth)
Encouraging correct lip posture
(ensuring lips stay closed at rest)
Promoting nasal breathing
(as opposed to mouth breathing)
Why is Myofunctional Therapy Important?
The benefits of Myofunctional Therapy extend far beyond improving the alignment of your teeth. Proper muscle function can help prevent issues such as:
Improved Jaw Alignment:
Myofunctional Therapy can help guide the growth and development of the jaw, preventing or reducing the need for orthodontic intervention.
Relief from TMJ Disorders:
For those suffering from jaw pain or clicking, MFT can help reduce discomfort by re-training jaw muscles to function properly.
Enhanced Breathing:
MFT encourages nasal breathing, which is healthier and more efficient than mouth breathing.
Better Sleep:
Addressing oral and facial muscle dysfunction can alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues.
By focusing on tongue posture and function, MFT can aid in improving speech patterns and swallowing, which is especially beneficial for children.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is not limited to any particular age group. Both children and adults can benefit from MFT. In children, it can assist with jaw development and prevent orthodontic issues from arising later. For adults, MFT can help with issues like TMJ pain, chronic mouth breathing, or sleep disturbances. It can also be an effective treatment alongside orthodontics to maintain the results of braces or aligners.
How to Get Started with Myofunctional Therapyat Boisson Dental Group
If you or a loved one are experiencing issues like crooked teeth, jaw pain, sleep apnea, or difficulty swallowing, Myofunctional Therapy may be the solution you need. At Boisson Dental Group, our team of experienced professionals can assess your oral function and determine if MFT is right for you.
We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may involve:
- A thorough evaluation of your muscle function and habits
- A series of exercises tailored to address your specific concerns
- Regular follow-ups to track your progress and make adjustments as needed Myofunctional
Therapy is a powerful tool for improving overall oral health, posture, breathing, and function. At Boisson Dental Group, we are committed to providing treatments that focus on long-term dental health, and Myofunctional Therapy is a key component in achieving this goal. Whether you’re looking to improve your breathing, correct a poor bite, or relieve TMJ pain, our team is here to guide you on your journey to better oral health.
If you’re interested in learning more about Myofunctional Therapy, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work to enhance your smile and your health!