Myofunctional therapy: For a beautiful, balanced smile and so much more!
As a complete biological dental practice, Westwood Dentistry does more than support a pretty set of teeth. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable dentists, Drs Monica Anand and Anshuman Rawat, serve Westwood and our slice of Southeast Massachusetts with state-of-the-art technologies and advanced expertise that accounts for all of the supportive structures in the mouth and the many connections that exist between the health of the mouth and the “rest of you.” In turn, we shine in areas such as myofunctional therapy.
True to our approaches and services, successful treatment with myofunctional therapy improves the appearance and function of the teeth and smile. It promotes the health and function of structures, tissues, and systems beyond the oral cavity.
What is myofunctional therapy?
This category of treatment is based on the science of orofacial myology. “Oro” refers to the mouth, whereas “myo” refers to the muscles. So, this term refers to the study of the muscles of the face and oral cavity or mouth. The structures of the lips, tongue, and cheeks play a crucial role in essential functions like breathing, chewing, speaking, and swallowing, impacting our overall health and quality of life.
Myofunctional therapy is laser-focused on assessing muscle function. Any abnormalities in function should be identified and addressed promptly to prevent additional damage. Treatment varies but is generally unified in supporting a balanced, healthy “oral rest posture,” which refers to how the lips and tongue are positioned.
What does this therapy treat?
You or your child may develop unhealthy habits or compensatory behaviors for your teeth or your “system.” Untreated proper oral posture and mouth and facial patterns can lead to TMJ Dysfunction, a group of disorders affecting the jaw joints. TMJDs are associated with persistent tension headaches and migraines, jaw and facial pain, difficulties chewing, frequent earaches, tinnitus, and other symptoms that can get worse with time and interfere with day-to-day life and function.
Additionally, when the function and balance of the muscles with other tissues and structures are compromised, patients may have excessive wear and tear to the teeth, malocclusion (uneven spacing and a “bad bite”), poor facial definition, and a recessed jawline, and sleep-disordered breathing. Certain SDBs, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, can be especially harmful. Oxygen deprivation during sleep and poor quality rest can strain major organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and other severe conditions. Appropriate myofunctional therapies address the root cause of these symptoms and complications at their source, providing real and lasting relief and effective treatment.
What therapies are available at Westwood Dentistry?
Our interventions are diverse and tailored to the specific conditions we address through myofunctional therapy. Following an assessment, Drs Anand or Rawat may recommend oral appliance therapy. These therapies are customized and tailored to your (or your child’s) needs. Some appliances are designed to “flex” and promote healthy nasal breathing instead of breathing through the mouth. Firmer arch expanders create more space in the palate to correct habits such as tongue thrusting and to guide healthy growth and development. Appliances may be used alone or complemented by physical exercises or therapies designed to “retrain” how patients hold their lips and tongue, facilitating improved breathing, swallowing, and other functions.
We work with Myofunctional Therapists to achieve more customized results for older kids and adults. We provide myofunctional therapy in the office and work with several myofunctional therapists in the area who might be closer to you.
If you are asking about and exploring myofunctional therapy, you likely have a specific motivation. We want to hear from you! Share your particular concerns with us. Call (781) 514-6443 today to speak with a team member in Westwood, MA, and schedule a consultation at our office.
