SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that retrains the mouth and tongue muscles to function correctly and maintain proper form while at rest. It is a successful therapy for treating orofacial myofunctional disorders in patients of all ages. Even for adults, myofunctional therapy can reverse years of poor oral habits. Today on the blog, our Scotts Valley neuromuscular dentists share five surprising benefits of myofunctional therapy for adults.
Convenient
Myofunctional therapy is convenient because it doesn’t require that you put everything else on hold while performing your exercises. You can do your exercises while cooking dinner, cleaning the house, reading a book, or sitting at your desk working. The exercises take only a few minutes each day. But the key is consistency. Exercises should be performed daily or as prescribed by your myofunctional therapist in Scotts Valley. Stick to the plan, and you should start seeing results in as little as six months.
It can help relieve sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that results in a narrow or restricted airway during sleep. This blockage often results in snoring or making gasping sounds as you breathe. A blocked airway could result from poor oral posture, such as the tongue sliding to the back of the throat, which can be curbed with a course of myofunctional therapy. Please advise, however, that sleep apnea is a serious health condition that requires medical treatment. Often, Scotts Valley dentists manage sleep apnea by prescribing a custom oral appliance that is worn while sleeping. This treatment, paired with myofunctional therapy, could be enough to manage your sleep apnea without resorting to using a CPAP machine.
It has a positive effect on the need for orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics aims to force teeth into the desired position. But usually doesn’t address underlying orofacial myofunctional disorders that were the main cause of the misaligned teeth to begin with, which is why orthodontic relapse occurs in many adults. Lessen the need for orthodontics and possibly shorten the amount of time spent wearing braces by addressing the root of the problem with myofunctional therapy. This therapy can stimulate jawbone growth, help expand the upper dental palate and the airway, which allows teeth to become straighter, faster, and remain that way.
It makes you look more attractive
Orofacial myofunctional disorders often cause a weak or recessed chin, elongated face, significant overbite or open bite, and other unfavorable facial characteristics. Myofunctional therapy addresses these issues and helps improve looks by creating a more favorable profile, improves lip countenance, and encourages proper breathing (nasally) and swallowing patterns. Remain consistent with your therapy, and you will see your facial appearance change for the better!
It is suitable for patients of all ages
Myofunctional therapy works for children and adults, no matter your age. As long as you can fulfill your commitment to doing your exercises at home and show up for your appointments, the treatment will make a difference in your oral and facial structure, as well as breathing and swallowing habits. It is a safe therapy for all ages, although a licensed myofunctional therapist should prescribe it.
Myofunctional Therapy in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, and Los Gatos
Not sure if myofunctional therapy is right for you? Contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry to learn more or schedule an assessment. You can reach our practice by calling (831) 438-4411.
