People suffering from clenching and grinding their teeth, obstructive sleep apnea or crowding after braces are finding relief from Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. Those are just a few of the many ailments that Myofunctional Therapy can help address. Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a form of exercise-based therapy that has been successful in treating an extensive variety of health issues that include opening airways, head and neck pain, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and poor digestion.

   The interaction between facial growth and muscle function starts early in development. Children grow rapidly between the ages of 2 and 6, but the majority miss out on correct facial and jaw development, which often results in underdeveloped faces, crowded teeth and sleeping/breathing disorders. With early intervention, myofunctional therapy can train the muscles within the face to act in their optimal biological way, guiding teeth and jaws into proper alignment as we mature.

   While myofunctional therapy is most often prescribed for children, orofacial myofunctional disorders affect patients of all ages. They impact the functions and muscles of the mouth and face, contributing to a variety of detrimental effects on health. Some examples include difficulty breastfeeding, skeletal abnormalities, speech disorders, TMJ, misaligned teeth, facial asymmetry, sleep-disordered breathing, and more. As an added benefit of myofunctional therapy, it can improve facial esthetics, as well. Dexter Dental Studio’s Myofunctional Therapy Program helps patients change harmful habits and increase low muscle tone, improving how they eat, speak, breathe, and even sleep. Our goal is to help patients achieve their greatest health possible.