Orofacial Myology
Myofunctional Therapy uses a combination of physical therapy exercises to improve bite, breathing, and facial posture of those with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).
Signs of Oral Myofunctional Disorders
- TOTs (tethered oral tissue - aka Tongue Ties)
- Improper Jaw Alignment
- Tongue Thrust - Spitting when speaking
- Elongated Soft Palate
- Vaulted Hard Palate
- Prominent Rugae
- Oversized tongue (wide/long)
- TMJ disorders (clicking, popping, locking, etc)
- Large tonsils
- Poor oral health
- Recurrent Tooth Decay
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Dry Mouth - Poor Saliva
- Clenching / Grinding
- Narrow nasal passages
- Tense facial/neck muscles
- Swollen turbinates
- Deviated septum (seen on CT scan)
- Inflammation/Periodontal conditions around the gums/bone
- Palatal torus/bilateral torus
Becoming a NOM Client
Clients at Norfolk Orofacial Myology complete a detailed health history on our secure online portal. This will be sent via email and can be completed in the comfort of your own home.
Assessment
Norfolk Orofacial Myology provides a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the facial and oral structures to ensure proper treatment options are provided to each individual seeking guidance in this area of health.
Our team focuses on structural difficulties that might be impacting a person’s health. We take an individualized approach to our process of care.
Our assessment involves measurements, photography, eating (to watch swallowing patterns), oral observations, and a detailed look at how your tongue is functioning with the structure of the head and neck.
Consultation
Once the assessment is complete, we take 2 weeks to review the case using the information we gathered during the assessment. We review findings and recommendations during our consultation and help you decide the next course of action that’s right for YOU! Once you have decided, we help facilitate the referral process and next steps to make the process easy to understand and follow.
Myofunctional Therapy Services
The therapies target the face, neck, and mouth’s soft tissue to reach optimal tongue position and oral rest posture.
Frenectomy
Pre & post release of tethered
oral tissues
Breathing Retraining
Helps people with asthma, allergies and respiratory problems
Treatment Planning
Customized plan with referrals and goal setting
MyoMunchee
Oral chewing device for optimal chewing, breathing, speech, sleep and health.
Habit Elimination
Thumbing sucking, finger sucking, blanket sucking, pacifier
Collaborative Approach
Success with treatment or therapies is largely impacted by the other professionals involved in the process. You may be referred to one of these professionals along side your care at NOM, it’s important to stay on course and continue until the end of your therapy/care.
- Osteopaths
- Nutritionists
- Physicians
- Massage Therapists
- Dental Hygienists
- Speech Pathologist
- Otolaryngologist (ENT)
- Airway Centric Orthodontists
- Oral Surgeons
- Airway Centric Dentists
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
