Myofunctional Therapy (MFT), often referred to as Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), is a specialized program designed to correct improper function and posture of the muscles in the face and mouth. This therapeutic approach focuses on establishing optimal habits for speaking, breathing, chewing, and swallowing. MFT uses specific, targeted exercises to re-educate the oral and facial muscles, aiming to create lasting changes in movement patterns. The ultimate goal is to promote proper resting positions for the tongue and lips, which supports overall health and proper development.
Defining Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are characterized by abnormal muscle movement patterns of the face, mouth, and jaw that interfere with normal growth, development, or function of the orofacial structures. These disorders are essentially habits or imbalances in the muscles that control the tongue, lips, and jaw. A core component of a healthy oral-facial system is proper oral posture, which dictates where the tongue rests at all times.
The correct resting posture involves the entire tongue lightly suctioned against the roof of the mouth, known as the palatal spot, with the lips sealed and the teeth slightly apart. When this posture is not maintained, the tongue rests low in the mouth, often leading to an open-mouth posture. This low tongue position and lack of lip seal can contribute to chronic mouth breathing, which is a significant indicator of an OMD.
Another fundamental component affected by OMDs is the swallowing pattern. A typical swallow, which occurs approximately 2,000 times per day, involves the tongue pushing food or liquid to the back of the throat without creating undue pressure on the teeth. In contrast, an OMD can involve an atypical swallow, where the tongue pushes forward or sideways against the front or side teeth. This constant, misplaced pressure from the tongue during swallowing is a common manifestation of a myofunctional disorder. The continuous force can significantly impact dental alignment and jaw development over time.
Conditions Addressed by Therapy
The muscle imbalances inherent in OMDs can lead to a variety of interconnected health and developmental issues that Myofunctional Therapy is designed to address. One of the most frequently targeted conditions is tongue thrust, which is the reverse swallow pattern where the tongue exerts pressure on the front teeth. This persistent pressure can lead to malocclusion, specifically an open bite where the front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.
Chronic mouth breathing, a common symptom of a low-resting tongue, is another primary focus of the therapy. When the mouth is habitually open, it bypasses the natural filtration and warming of the nasal passages, potentially affecting airway health and leading to a dry mouth. Myofunctional therapy works to establish a consistent lip seal and promote nasal breathing, which is the optimal mode of respiration.
Speech impediments, particularly articulation issues such as a lisp, often stem from a forward tongue posture that affects the production of sounds like ‘s’ and ‘z’. By retraining the tongue to rest and move correctly, MFT can help improve the precision of speech articulation. The therapy also plays a supportive role in managing discomfort associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles. Tension in the jaw muscles, often caused by compensatory movements due to an improper tongue or jaw rest position, may be alleviated as the oral system achieves better balance.
Furthermore, MFT is frequently used to help stabilize the results of orthodontic treatment. When dental alignment is corrected, the underlying improper muscle habits, such as tongue thrust, can cause the teeth to gradually shift back to their original position, a phenomenon known as orthodontic relapse. By correcting the muscle function that caused the misalignment, Myofunctional Therapy provides the necessary muscular support to maintain the teeth in their newly corrected positions.
The Treatment Approach and Exercises
Myofunctional Therapy is an individualized, habit-reprogramming process that focuses on neuromuscular re-education of the oral and facial muscles. The treatment typically progresses through several phases, beginning with establishing a proper resting posture for the tongue and lips. This foundational work ensures the patient is aware of the correct position before moving on to dynamic exercises.
Therapy involves targeted, repetitive exercises performed daily to strengthen weak muscles and retrain the brain to use them correctly. These exercises may include specific movements to elevate the back of the tongue, strengthen the lip seal, or practice the corrected swallowing pattern. For instance, a patient might be asked to perform a tongue press, where the entire tongue is suctioned upwards against the palate, held for a short period, and then released.
The active phase of Myofunctional Therapy usually lasts several months, with sessions typically occurring weekly or bi-weekly. Consistency and patient compliance with the daily exercise regimen are paramount to the therapy’s success, as it requires the conscious repetition of new movements until they become unconscious habits. Following the active phase, a maintenance phase is often recommended to ensure the newly acquired muscle patterns are fully integrated into daily function.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
Myofunctional Therapy is delivered by various healthcare professionals who have received specialized post-graduate training in orofacial myology. The most common providers include Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs), and Dentists. These professionals build upon their existing clinical knowledge to focus on the function of the oral and facial muscles.
It is important to seek a practitioner who has completed a comprehensive training program and may hold a specific certification in the field, such as a Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM). These specialized credentials indicate a dedicated level of expertise in diagnosing and treating Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. A qualified therapist will work collaboratively with other specialists, such as orthodontists or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians, to provide comprehensive care.