What is Myofunctional Therapy
At the office of John Highsmith, DDS, Myofunctional Therapy is a personalized approach to improving your oral and overall health. This therapy focuses on strengthening the mouth and face muscles, which can play a vital role in functions like breathing, chewing, and swallowing.
The treatment process begins with a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs. Our Myofunctional Therapist, Anna, will create a customized plan that includes exercises designed to retrain these muscles. These exercises are simple, non-invasive, and can often be done at home, making the therapy convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Why Do I Need It?
Myofunctional therapy is often recommended for dental patients who exhibit Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs), which can negatively impact oral and overall health. These disorders involve improper function of the facial and oral muscles, often leading to issues such as improper swallowing, mouth breathing, or snoring.
Patients with OMDs may experience a range of dental problems, including malocclusion (misaligned teeth), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and difficulties with speech or chewing. Myofunctional therapy helps to retrain these muscles, promoting correct tongue posture, proper swallowing patterns, and nasal breathing.
How Can It Help?
Myofunctional Therapy is important because it addresses the root causes of several common issues, such as sleep apnea, snoring, and an improper bite. The therapy can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and even enhance your dental alignment by improving muscle function.
Myofunctional Therapy patients often experience significant benefits, including reduced facial pain, better sleep quality, and optimal oral health. At John Highsmith, DDS, we’re committed to providing care that supports your overall well-being. Ask us how Myofunctional Therapy can make a positive difference in your life.