Therapy
Myofunctional therapy strengthens the tongue and orofacial muscles by teaching individuals how to engage those muscles in the appropriate position — so proper function becomes automatic rather than effortful.
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A screening can identify signs and symptoms of OMDs. A myofunctional assessment evaluates oral structures and functions and allows for an individual therapy plan. Each appointment addresses your goals, and we meet on average every two weeks over a period of months. Exercises are given to be done routinely at home. For Phoenix Metropolitan-area families, in-home comprehensive exams are available; all therapy sessions are conducted via Telehealth.
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Each person's plan is individualized, but overall goals are to resolve harmful habits and re-learn muscle functions that promote proper growth and development, and to restore proper tongue and lip resting postures. Removing habits like thumb or finger sucking can improve breathing quality, mouth rest posture, drooling, table manners, and sleep quality.
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A major focus of therapy is exercises that train your tongue to spontaneously rest on the roof of your mouth. Progress can be delayed without daily participation from the patient and parent or guardian. Some goals require collaboration with other dental or health care providers. Oral health and wellness are very much connected to overall health.
It also shows these corrections are retained years after successful completion of treatment (Hahn & Hahn, 1992). Patients are individually evaluated to discover all of the factors that may be involved — especially important where there are dental, medical, or airway concerns. A multidisciplinary professional approach is vital to successful treatment and includes dentists, orthodontists, allergists, and physicians.
A screening identifies whether myofunctional therapy is likely to help. For Phoenix Metropolitan-area families, in-home comprehensive exams are available. All therapy sessions are conducted only via Telehealth — no in-person therapy sessions are offered. Not sure where to begin? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consult to ask questions and learn more.
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