WHAT IS MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY?
ALL ABOUT MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
The benefits of myofunctional therapy go beyond what you may think.
Myofunctional therapy, also known as orofacial myofunctional therapy, is a specialized treatment approach designed to address and improve the function of the muscles and structures in and around the mouth. This therapy targets issues related to orofacial muscles, tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing habits. The main goal of myofunctional therapy is to correct orofacial dysfunctions that can contribute to various oral health problems, speech difficulties, and even facial development issues. The therapy involves a series of exercises and techniques that are tailored to each individual’s specific needs, aiming to establish proper muscle function and coordination. Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for individuals with issues such as tongue thrust, open mouth posture, incorrect swallowing patterns, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and speech impediments.
By addressing these concerns, myofunctional therapy seeks to:
Promote Overall Oral Health
Myofunctional therapy corrects orofacial dysfunctions, promotes proper muscle function and coordination, and helps prevent or alleviate various oral health issues.
Improve Speech Clarity
Myofunctional therapy addresses and corrects issues related to tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and orofacial muscle function, leading to more precise and articulate speech.
Enhance Facial Harmony
Myofunctional therapy addresses and corrects improper muscle function and posture in the mouth and face, resulting in more balanced facial harmony.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
There are 20 craniofacial muscles that control the movements in the cheeks, chin, ears, eyebrows, eyelids, forehead, lips, nose and nostrils.
In the general population, 30–40% of individuals have an orofacial myofunctional disorder
5-years after discharge from myofunctional therapy, 70‐80% were still swallowing correctly, and maintaining correct lingual resting posture.
MEET THE MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST
Lacey Biviano RDH, OMT
Lacey Biviano has been practicing dental hygiene for 20 years. While Lacey still enjoys clinical hygiene, she felt drawn to learn something new. It was during her research of other ways to help patients and continue her career that Lacey discovered myofunctional therapy. At first, Lacey didn’t really understand what it entailed or how much of an impact it could have on others, but she quickly knew it was exactly what she wanted to do to continue her career. She became really passionate about how myofunctional therapy was a mix of her passion for holistic ideas in dentistry with practical progressive methods. Early in her studies, Lacey figured out how much myofunctional impairment she had herself. She began her own journey of myofunctional exercises and having a tongue tie release.
Lacey feels empathy is one of the greatest gifts she can give her clients. She knows and understands the struggles people feel, but often get ignored by other providers. The brain fog, the fatigue, and the neck tension are just a few of the symptoms Lacey had experienced herself, that have now been relieved.
Lacey Biviano looks forward to helping you on your own journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Could You Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
Schedule your free evaluation and find out if myofunctional therapy is right for you. Take the first step towards feeling fantastic—from your face to your feet!
CONTACT WHY MYO MATTERS
If you have questions about myofunctional therapy, or are curious about whether it's the right treatment for you, please complete the brief form below. A member of our team will be in touch shortly to answer your questions, and address your concerns!