Resources
We recognize that the concept presented may seem emerging; however, it is based on a therapeutic approach with over 50 years of application. We are prepared to provide further explanation and have included links to pertinent studies for your personal exploration.
Fifteen adult patients with skeletal mandibular prognathism or openbite underwent surgical and orthodontic treatment, and then received myofunctional therapy. The faces of fifteen adults with jaw deformities were videotaped before and after surgical orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy. After surgery and orthodontic treatment, improvement in occlusion and facial harmony were apparent. Study and observation of the videotape films indicated improvements in orofacial posture, muscle-tone, function in speech and swallowing and reduction of damaging muscle pressure habits.
Yamaguchi H, Sebata M. Changes in oral functions and posture at rest following surgical orthodontic treatment and myofunctional therapy. Evaluation by means of video recording.
Int J Orofacial Myology. 1995;21:29‐32.
Yamaguchi, H. and Sebata. M (1995)
Changes in oral functions and posture at rest following surgery and OMT therapy.
The article reviews orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) for treating tongue thrust, a persistent infantile swallowing pattern causing speech and dental issues. It emphasizes early intervention to prevent complications and details various OMT exercises that can be done at home. OMT has been effective in improving swallowing, tongue posture, muscle function, and reducing orthodontic relapse, enhancing patients' quality of life.
Sejal S Shah, Meenakshi Y Nankar, Vikas D Bendgude, Bhagyashree R She (2021)
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Tongue Thrust Habit: A Narrative Review
The study showcased the effectiveness of a collaborative approach by a dental hygienist who is also a certified orofacial myologist, a general dentist, and an orthodontist in addressing oral habits and dental malocclusion in a 7-year-old girl. Over five months, the girl underwent a personalized myofunctional therapy program, which included exercises for the muscles involved in chewing and facial expressions, as well as training to maintain proper tongue and lip resting positions. The intervention led to the elimination of several oral habits, improved the positioning of the lips and tongue, and corrected the malocclusion, thus preparing her for future orthodontic procedures. The study concluded that myofunctional therapy is vital in removing detrimental oral habits that contribute to malocclusion and that an interdisciplinary team can provide optimal care for patients.
Seema A Virji, Enoch T Ng, Santhosh Jayachandran and Tammarie C Heit (2023)
A case study on myofunctional therapy and malocclusions created by oral habits
A specialist explains the hazards of continued digit (thumb/finger) sucking habits and offers advice on breaking the habit. The article explains that children who persist in sucking a thumb or finger beyond early childhood risk significant dental problems as well as learning, speech and emotional difficulties.
Van Norman, Rosemarie (2001)
Why we can't afford to ignore prolonged digit sucking
The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine if dental occlusion improved when patients received orofacial myofunctional therapy. The most significant findings of this study definitively established the beneficial effect of orofacial myofunctional therapy on improving dental occlusion, decreasing dental open bite and decreasing dental overjet.
The most significant findings of this study definitively establish the beneficial effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on improving dental occlusion, decreasing dental open bite, and decreasing dental overjet.
Benkert, K. (1997)
The effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy in improving dental occlusion
Int This study examined the effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) on speech intelligibility in adults with persistent articulation impairments. Six adults in the age range of 18-23 years were selected to receive OMT for a period of six weeks. Speech intelligibility increased significantly in all clients except the one diagnosed with developmental apraxia of speech. Orofacial myofunctional therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals need to rule out underlying orofacial myofunctional variables when targeting speech sounds for intervention.
Speech production tasks may be considered as important measures to understand the efficacy of OMT in clinical settings.
Ray, J. (2003). Effects of orofacial myofunctional therapy on speech intelligibility in individuals with persistent articulatory impairments. International Journal of Orofacial Myology. 29, 5-11.
Effects of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy on Speech Intelligibility
Closure and long-term retention of anterior open bites are significant concerns for orthodontists and their patients. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) for maintaining closure of open bites in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
If you are an orthodontist and you are wondering how an OMT can help you, then you should read this study. Orofacial Myofunctional therapy combined with orthodontic treatment can prevent a relapse of anterior open bites.
The purpose of the study was to compare the relapse rate of orthodontic appliances with and without orofacial myofunctional therapy. Results revealed: Orofacial myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatment was efficacious in closing and maintaining closure of dental open bites in Angle Class I and Class II malocclusions, and it dramatically reduced the relapse of open bites in patients who had forward tongue posture and tongue thrust.
Joann Smithpeter, David Covell Jr (2010)