Orofacial Myology
OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDERS
Orofacial Myology is a specialized sub-specialty that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscle (myo-) postural and functional disorders and habit patterns that may disrupt normal dental development and lead to tooth position changes (malocclusions), cosmetic problems, or even abnormal changes in jaw growth. Orofacial myofunctional therapy procedures are designed to eliminate potentially harmful habit patterns, to normalize resting tongue, lips and jaw positions, and to retrain abnormal muscle patterns when there is tongue thrusting.
What causes Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
- Tongue Thrusting
- chronic airway restriction from enlarged tonsils or adenoids or allergies.
- Improper and prolonged oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, cheek or nail biting, teeth clenching or grinding.
- Various neurological conditions, sensory deficits or delays in oral growth and development, or speech production
- Developmental delays.
- Structural or physiological abnormalities such as a short lingual frenum (tongue-tie).
- Hereditary predisposition to any of the above factors.
Does Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders affect speech?
Tongue thrusting can lead to a frontal lisp, which intern will make it difficult for correct positioning of /s/ and /z/ phonemes. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can result in mouth breathing, resonance issues, and forward tongue positions leading to impaired articulation and frontal lisps.
Check Out Our Tips For Reducing Pacifier and Thumb Sucking!
“Thank you Amanda for helping my daughter get rid of her tongue thrust! Her speech quality improved signficantly since she no longer has a lisp.”
Cheryl A.
Parent
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