Myofunctional Therapy in Greensboro, NC
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Did you know…
Cavities don’t usually hurt. Toothaches are more commonly a symptom of a tooth infection.
How Did I Develop These Dysfunctional Muscle Patterns?
Tongue tie-restricted tongue mobility
Prevents the tongue from performing all its many functions. Tongue ties can force the tongue to stay low in the mouth which leads to mouth breathing and sleep disorders. Tongue ties can impact proper swallow leading to GI issues.
Tongue thrust
Improper movement of the tongue during swallowing can put excessive strain on surrounding structures. Tongue thrust can lead to flaring of front teeth and open bite.
Extended pacifier use
Proper muscle function is not learned when pacifiers are in the mouth past the first birthday
Thumb sucking
The thumb displaces the proper rest placement of the tongue and lips
Allergies
Preventing nasal breathing
Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
Causing obstruction to the airway
Habits
Even if you experienced some of these issues in the past but they are resolved now, the habit of orofacial dysfunction may still remain
What Are The Symptoms of Myofunctional Disorders?
- Mouth breathing
- Dry mouth during sleep
- TMJ pain
- Sleep disordered breathing (SDB)
- Snoring
- Upper airway resistance syndrome
- Obstructive Sleep apnea
- Clenching/grinding teeth
- Swallowing air-leading to frequent bloating, gas, and other GI issues
- Silent reflux or nighttime reflux
- Chronic gingivitis or periodontal disease despite typical intervention
Did you know…
There are more than 3 million cases of cavities in the US every year.
Have Questions About Myofunctional Therapy? Find Answers Here.
What Are My Next Steps?
Schedule a comprehensive Airway Evaluation with one of our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists (OMT)! Our Myofunctional Therapist will assess many aspects of your health, past and present, to look for potential areas where dysfunction could be a contributing factor to less than optimal health and function. Photos will be taken and we will conduct a few tests to look for breathing and swallow funcion. We will also evaluate for a tongue tie and give recommendations on whether a frenectomy (tongue tie revision) is needed or not. Dr. Jah will ultimately be the one to make the final diagnosis and treatment plan for the frenectomy.
Once the Evaluation is complete, your Myofunctional Therapist will develop a treatment plan. A typical treatment plan consists of meeting with your therapist for 12 sessions. These can be in-person or virtual using Zoom and usually scheduled every other week. Treatment can last 6-9 months or beyond depending on the patient's needs. At each appointment, your Myofunctional Therapist will assess your progress and give new exercises for daily homework. The exercises given take around 5 minutes done twice daily and requires dedication and consistent effort.
At What Age Can I Begin Myofunctional Therapy?
Many people are unaware that myofunctional therapy can be started at any age. Seeking early help can effectively limit structural damage. Children as young as five can enjoy the benefits of myofunctional therapy.
Ready to book an appointment? Contact us online or call (336) 323-2822 to access our services.
Did you know…
Nearly 80% of Americans have had at least one cavity before the age of 18.