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What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)?

OMT is the neurologic re-education of the oral facial muscles. Orofacial myofunctional disorders may cause an impairment in swallowing, chewing, speech articulation, breathing and negatively affect the position of the lips, cheeks and tongue.

 

For additional resources about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy see link below:

What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Growth, Development and Function [Source: Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry]
Growth and Development (ages 3 to 5) [Source: Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry] 
Growth and Development (ages 6 to12) [Source: Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry]
Growth and Development (ages 13+) [Source: Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry] 

OMT can benefit those with: 

  • Tongue tie and lip tie

  • Open mouth posture

  • Speech misarticulations (lisp)

  • Tongue thrust

  • Malocclusion (including crossbites, underbites and overjet)

  • Improve lip seal

  • TMJ disorders

  • Habits affecting dentiton (thumb sucking)

  • Atypical swallowing and chewing

  • Oral breathing

  • Low tongue posture 

What are some causes of orofacial myofunctional disorders?
  • Tongue tie and lip tie
  • Overuse of pacifier and sippy cup
  • Breast feeding complications
  • Finger sucking and other oral habits
  • Diet of soft processed food
All of which may cause atypical changes to oral structures and development 
Abnormal oral development may cause:
  • Mouth breathing habit
  • Behavioral issues
  • Learning difficulties
  • Posture problem
  • Speech problem 
  • Swallowing disorder (tongue thrust)
  • TMJ disorders
  • Snoring/obstructive sleep apnea
My Approach
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