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The Secret Of Change Is To Focus All Of Your Energy Not On Fighting The Old, But On Building The New!
~Socrates
Shana Vasquez EFDA, RDH, BGS, OMT
Orofacial Myologist
An Orofacial Myologist, or also known as a Myofunctional Therapist is trained to diagnose each individual’s needs and disorders using Myofunctional Therapy. We use neuromuscular exercises to repattern the lips, tongue, and facial muscles to function and stay in their proper place. I entered this field to help my special needs daughter who was has multiple diagnoses. It has opened my eyes to see how everything is connected and how I can help her open her air way and improve her over all health.
What are Oralfacial Myofunctional Disorders?
An orofacial myofunctional disorder is an inability to utilize proper oral or facial muscle function. Characterized by over or under utilization of muscles when breathing, masticating (chewing) and/or swallowing. This may manifest as a tongue thrust, messy or loud chewing and/or audible mouth-breathing. All of our muscles in our face and mouth serve a purpose. They allow us to speak, eat, breathe, smile, and even kiss! Our muscles serve as guidance for growth of our face, mouth, and airway. Ideal growth and function of these muscles allow us to have a big healthy smile, wide and open sinuses, and nostrils to breathe and feel our best.
What Causes OMD?
While there is no one direct cause that always contributes to an orofacial myofunctional disorder, it can be prefaced by several related factors. Such as ankyloglossia (tongue tie), other tethered oral tissue (lip, buccal and mandibular tie), lack of breastfeeding, prolonged pacifier use, oral sucking habits (tongue, thumb, fingers, or objects) and familial history of sleep apnea and/or OMD.
Here at The Myology Clinic we like to focus on attaining the solution and while we don't want you to disregard the past and what may have led you to your discovery of an OMD, we do want you to let go of any blame you hold for things you did not know.
Who Treats OMD?
Treatment of an orofacial myofunctional disorder involves an interdisciplinary team approach. While it is essential to see an orofacial myologist to attain proper muscle function, it may also be necessary to see other specialists to remove 'roadblocks' or assist in rehabilitation. Such as an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor), Somnologist (sleep doctor), Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Pediatric or General Dentist, Primary Care Physician, Speech Language Pathologist and/or Lactation Consultant.
What Are The Benefits Of Treatment?
You may benefit from establishing proper oral resting posture if you or your loved one has experienced or currently experiences*
Mouth-breathing
Sleep Apnea
Snoring, Clenching or Grinding
Orthodontics (Braces and/or Expanders)
ADHD
Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorder/ TMD)
Thumb, Pacifier, Tongue or Object Sucking
Nail Biting
Tongue Tie
Tongue Thrust
Frequent or Chronic Congestion
Asthma
Anxiety
*Please note that orofacial myology (myofunctional therapy) is not indicated as a treatment or cure for any of the aforementioned. It is only indicated as a treatment for improper oral resting posture which is in most instances a causative factor for most of the above.