Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

 

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders(OMDs) are any atypical muscle patterns of the Orofacial Complex.  An improper balance or habit of these muscles may affect facial growth and development, breathing, speech, chewing, swallowing, dental development, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics and more. 

Common symptoms of untreated OMDs include:

  • Changes in facial development and features including a long, narrow face, smaller jaws, narrow palate, dental crowding, flatter facial features and droopy eyes

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose

  • Poor posture

  • Trouble with chewing food and swallowing- messy or noisy eating and difficulty keeping mouth closed when chewing

  • Speech problems

  • Orthodontic relapse

  • TMJ (jaw) pain

  • Chronic Headaches

  • teeth grinding or clenching

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

As an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, Kim is trained to identify and treat OMDs. Treatment length will vary depending on the severity of the disorder(s).

If you have noticed any of these signs or symptoms with yourself or your child and you would like to find out more about how orofacial myofunctional therapy(OMT) can help, please contact us.