Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the patterns and functions of the muscles and structures of the face and mouth. They can involve resting posture, breathing, chewing, swallowing, speech and other orofacial functions.

When these functional patterns are present, they may influence or be associated with oral health, dental and orthodontic development, facial growth, breathing, speech, chewing, swallowing and jaw function.

Common Signs & Functional Concerns Associated With OMDs May Include:

  • Changes in orofacial development, which may include a narrow palate, dental crowding or certain facial growth patterns

  • Mouth breathing or difficulty maintaining comfortable nasal breathing

  • Postural patterns, such as forward head posture, muscle tension or neck discomfort

  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties, including difficulty managing food, messy or noisy eating, or difficulty maintaining lip closure during eating

  • Sleep-related concerns or poor sleep quality

  • Speech-related concerns

  • Changes in dental alignment or orthodontic stability

  • Jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort

  • Headaches or facial muscle tension

  • Teeth clenching or grinding

  • Sleep-disordered breathing, including concerns that may warrant further assessment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

As an Orofacial Myologist, I assess orofacial function and identify patterns or habits that may be contributing to an individual's concerns. Following an initial assessment, a customized therapy program is developed based on the individual's findings, needs and goals.

Treatment length varies depending on the individual's presentation, functional goals, participation and progress throughout therapy.

When concerns fall outside the scope of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, collaboration or referral to an appropriate healthcare or dental professional may be recommended.

What Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a specialized form of neuromuscular re-education that focuses on the function, coordination and resting posture of the tongue, lips, jaw and facial muscles. It is used to assess and address functional patterns associated with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs).

Functional Patterns & Concerns Commonly Addressed in OMT May Include:

  • Mouth breathing

  • Snoring and sleep-related breathing concerns

  • Atypical swallowing patterns, including tongue thrust

  • Atypical chewing patterns

  • Functional concerns associated with tethered oral tissues

  • Lip incompetence (lips apart at rest)

  • Oral habits such as thumb sucking or nail biting

Our individualized Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy programs use targeted exercises and activities to develop awareness, coordination, strength and endurance of the orofacial muscles and improve functional patterns related to tongue posture, breathing, speaking, chewing and swallowing.

As functional patterns improve, individuals may experience improvements in areas such as breathing, chewing, swallowing and oral function. Outcomes vary depending on the individual's needs, contributing factors and participation in therapy.

Who May Benefit From Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?

Children

In children, OMT can help develop healthier functional habits during important periods of growth and development. Functional patterns such as an atypical oral rest posture, tongue thrust, mouth breathing, reduced chewing function or low orofacial muscle tone may be associated with differences in oral and facial development.

When tethered oral tissues are suspected to affect function, appropriate assessment and collaboration with the child's healthcare or dental providers may also be recommended.

Adults

In adults, OMT may be appropriate when functional patterns such as mouth breathing, altered tongue posture, inefficient swallowing or chewing, jaw muscle tension or other orofacial concerns are identified.

OMT may also be incorporated into care for individuals experiencing temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related concerns or sleep-related breathing concerns when appropriate and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Myofunctional Therapy looks beyond individual symptoms to identify functional patterns and compensations that may be contributing to an individual's concerns.

Assessment may identify compensatory patterns involving the tongue, jaw, neck and facial muscles during activities such as chewing, speaking and swallowing. Understanding these patterns can help guide an individualized approach to therapy.

The 4 Main Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

These goals are individualized based on each person's assessment and may include developing awareness, coordination, strength and endurance of the tongue and orofacial muscles.

  1. Lip Seal at Rest

  2. Efficient Nasal Breathing

  3. Ideal Oral Rest Tongue Posture

  4. Efficient Chewing & Swallowing

If you have noticed any of these signs and symptoms and are curious on how Myofunctional Therapy can help make a difference for you and/or your child. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your health concerns.

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