Welcome to Jolee Speech Therapy Speech Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy is the assessment and treatment of the muscles of the face, mouth and tongue. OMT addresses how the improper use of the muscles impacts dentition, speech, chewing and swallowing. Myofunctional therapy helps to integrate and improve the function of the muscles to work together properly. 

Laurian became trained in myofunctional therapy after having OMD's identified in herself and child. She has seen the changes OMT can provide first hand! 

Myofunctional therapy can help treat the underlying Orofactial Myofunctional Disorders including: 

Mouth Breathing- When chronic, facial changes can occur to the maxilla, jaw, nose, mouth, neck and shoulders. Mouth breathing is linked to sleep disorders, TMJ, behavioral issues in children and forward head position. 

Open Mouth Posture- The habit may lead to abnormal growth and development including long face syndrome, atypical swallowing , and orthodontic problems. 

Tongue Tie- Myofunctional therapists are trained to assess the tongue and normal tongue functions. 

Atypical Swallow- There is a range of normalcy in the swallowing pattern, however swallowing with a tongue thrust with other compensations such as neck movement, fluids to help wash food down,  or lip overuse can be signs of an atypical swallow pattern. 

Sleep Disorders- Common symptoms include snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, night terrors, sleep talking, bedwetting, excessive daytime sleepiness and more. OMT may be an aid to assist Sleep Medicine Physicians and Sleep Dentists attain a patent airway and educating patients as to the value of exercising muscles of the stomatognathic system. 

TMD- When the orofacial muscle function and patterns are incorrect, the symmetry and range of motion of the TMJ may be dysfunctional, causing discomfort or pain. 

Bruxism and Clenching- Bruxing is grinding of the teeth, usually at night and is a sign of sleep disordered breathing. Clenching is closing the teeth tightly, often for prolongs period of time. The habit of clenching may damage teeth and TMJ articulation, causing chewing, muscle dysfunctions and pain. 

 Myofunctional Therapy to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

-Current literature demonstrates that myofunctional therapy decreases apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children. Lowest oxygen saturations, snoring, and sleepiness outcomes improve in adults. Myofunctional therapy could serve as an adjunct to other obstructive sleep apnea treatments.

Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy: Exploring safety and efficacy in 348 cases

-Lingual frenuloplasty with myofunctional therapy is safe and potentially effective for the treatment of mouth breathing, snoring, clenching, and myofascial tension in appropriately selected patient candidates. 

The effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy in improving dental occlusion

-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.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you.