If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your oral health, you may have come across the term “myofunctional therapy.” But what is it, and is it right for you? Our dentist in Lombard, IL, is here to break it all down.
If you experience frequent jaw tension, trouble breathing through your nose, or nightly snoring, you may benefit from myofunctional therapy. Want to learn more? Talk to our dentist in Lombard, IL. Dr. Julie Glud is here to make sure your smile is as comfortable and healthy as possible. So, call Dental Care of Lombard at (630) 629-5700 for a consultation now!
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat. Many people don’t realize how much these small muscles impact their daily lives until they start experiencing problems.
This therapy is designed to help correct improper muscle habits that can affect breathing, swallowing, speaking, and even the alignment of teeth.
Myofunctional therapy often involves simple exercises that strengthen and retrain oral muscles to work properly. By doing so, it can improve overall oral function, reduce jaw pain, and even aid in better sleep.
How Do Oral Muscles Affect My Health?
The muscles in your mouth and face play a big role in how you breathe, chew, swallow, and even sleep. If they aren’t functioning correctly, you may experience a variety of issues, including:
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Speech problems
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain
- Poor tongue posture
- Misaligned teeth
- Sleep apnea or snoring
Our dentist in Lombard, IL, can evaluate your oral muscles to see if they might be contributing to any of these problems. Correcting these issues early can prevent more serious complications down the road.
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy benefits children and adults alike. Indeed, anyone who has problems with their oral muscle function may be a good candidate. Some common candidates include:
- Children with tongue thrusting or thumb sucking habits
- People with sleep apnea or chronic snoring
- Those who experience jaw pain or TMJ disorder
- Patients with speech difficulties, like articulation disorders or lisps
- Anyone with poor tongue posture or mouth breathing habits
Your dentist in Lombard, IL, can assess whether myofunctional therapy is a good option for you based on your symptoms and oral health history.
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Myofunctional therapy entails strengthening exercises and guided movements designed to improve muscle function. These exercises are simple and can often be done at home with guidance from a specialist. Some common exercises include:
- Tongue placement exercises to improve posture
- Lip closure techniques to reduce mouth breathing
- Swallowing exercises to correct improper swallowing patterns
- Jaw relaxation techniques to ease tension
A trained therapist will develop a custom plan to target your specific needs. The goal is to retrain your muscles so they function properly without you having to think about it.
How Long Does Myofunctional Therapy Take?
The length of therapy varies depending on the severity of the problem and how consistently the exercises are performed. Most people see noticeable improvement within a few months, but complete treatment can take anywhere from six months to a year.
Our dentist in Lombard, IL, can monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure you get the best results. Consistency is key to success with this type of therapy.
Can Myofunctional Therapy Help with Sleep Apnea?
Yes! One of the most surprising benefits of myofunctional therapy is its impact on sleep quality. Many people with sleep apnea have weak or improperly functioning oral muscles, which can contribute to airway obstruction.
Strengthening these muscles can help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving overall breathing patterns. While myofunctional therapy may not replace a CPAP machine for severe cases, it can be a valuable complementary treatment.
Is Myofunctional Therapy a Replacement for Braces?
Myofunctional therapy can help with minor teeth alignment issues, but it isn’t a substitute for braces or orthodontic treatment. However, it can support orthodontic work by ensuring the muscles of the mouth function properly, which helps maintain the results of braces.
If you or your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, our dentist in Lombard, IL, may recommend myofunctional therapy to improve long-term outcomes and reduce the chances of needing further treatment in the future.
What Are the Signs That I Might Need Myofunctional Therapy?
If you’re unsure whether you need myofunctional therapy, look out for these signs:
- Frequent mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
- Speech difficulties, such as a lisp or hypernasal speech
- Chronic snoring or sleep apnea symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Persistent jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
- Forward tongue posture (tongue resting against the teeth)
Our family dentist in Lombard, IL, can assess these symptoms and determine whether myofunctional therapy is the right approach for you.
Can Children Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Yes, myofunctional therapy is especially beneficial for children. Kids who have difficulty breathing through their nose, exhibit tongue thrusting, or struggle with speech delays may benefit greatly from myofunctional therapy.
Does Myofunctional Therapy Hurt?
Not at all! The exercises involved in myofunctional therapy are gentle and non-invasive. Most people find them easy to do and experience no pain. The therapy is designed to feel natural and improve function without discomfort.
How Do I Get Started with Myofunctional Therapy?
If you think you or your child could benefit from myofunctional therapy, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Lombard, IL. Dr. Glud will evaluate your oral function and determine whether this therapy is a good fit for you.
From there, Dr. Glud may refer you to a specialist who will address your specific needs. With time, patience, and consistency, myofunctional therapy can make a big difference in your oral health and overall well-being.
Learn More About Myofunctional Therapy with a Dentist in Lombard, IL
Myofunctional therapy is a simple yet effective way to improve oral function, breathing, and even sleep quality. Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, sleep apnea, or improper tongue posture, this therapy may be able to help.
If you’re curious about whether myofunctional therapy is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dental Care of Lombard to learn more. Click here to request a consultation with Dr. Glud, or call our office at (630) 629-5700 to set up an appointment.
