Improving Oral Function & Development
At Van Orman Dental, we offer Myofunctional Therapy, a specialized treatment designed to correct improper oral habits that affect breathing, swallowing, speech, and jaw development. This therapy is particularly beneficial for children who have tongue thrust, mouth breathing, or incorrect tongue posture, helping them achieve better oral function, proper jaw growth, and long-term dental health.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive exercise-based treatment that strengthens the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to promote healthy breathing, speaking, and swallowing patterns. It is often recommended for children with:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrust (pushing the tongue forward when swallowing)
- Speech difficulties
- Thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use
- Improper tongue posture affecting jaw growth
- Sleep-disordered breathing (including mild sleep apnea)
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps Children
Children with orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) often develop problems with tooth alignment, bite function, and facial growth. Early intervention with myofunctional therapy can:
- Encourage nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing
- Prevent misalignment and overcrowding of teeth
- Improve speech and articulation
- Reduce the risk of orthodontic issues later
- Enhance jaw development and facial symmetry
- Support better sleep and overall health
What Does Myofunctional Therapy Involve?
Personalized Assessment:- We evaluate your child’s breathing, tongue posture, swallowing, and oral habits to create a customized therapy plan.
Targeted Oral Exercises:- Your child will practice simple tongue, lip, and facial muscle exercises to correct improper habits and strengthen oral muscles.
Habit Correction Strategies:- We help eliminate harmful habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting to improve oral development.
Monitoring & Progress Tracking:- Regular check-ins ensure your child is making progress and achieving optimal results.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
- Promotes proper jaw and facial growth
- Reduces the need for extensive orthodontic treatment
- Improves breathing, chewing, and swallowing function
- Enhances speech clarity and articulation
- Supports overall health and well-being
Why Choose Van Orman Dental for Myofunctional Therapy?
Specialized Pediatric Dental Care Customized, Gentle & Effective Therapy Plans Focus on Long-Term Oral & Facial Development Kid-Friendly, Comfortable Approach
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If your child experiences mouth breathing, speech issues, or improper tongue posture, Myofunctional Therapy can help improve their oral health, breathing, and overall development. Contact Van Orman Dental today to schedule a consultation!