Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder
What is an OMD?
Orofacial myofunctional disorder refers to improper function of the facial muscles, tongue and mouth. OMDs may directly or indirectly affect facial growth and development, chewing, swallowing, speech articulation, occlusion, oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, facial esthetics and more. Several factors can contribute to OMDs, one being inherited muscle patterns. Another is airway obstruction.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of OMDs
Symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders can be very obvious or happen over a period of time and be unclear. Certain habits or conditions can interfere with proper actions of orofacial muscles causing OMD. These muscles include cheeks, jaw, lips and tongue. When these muscles function incorrectly due to habits or conditions, it can lead to improper development. This atypical development causes the muscles to have incorrect adaptations and not work in balance which can cause a variety of problems.
Do you suffer from any of the following?
- Mouth Breathing
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Chronic Tension
- Mood Disorders
- Jaw Pain
- Toxic Oral Habits
- Tongue Thrust
Snoring
- Chronic Headaches
Grinding
Swallowing Difficulty
Poor Posture
Sleep Apnea
Tongue-Tie
Speech Problems
- Our Program
Orofacial Myofunctional Program
Goals of the Program
Our Program is appropriate for children, teens and adults. Program goals are individualized and are meant to create new healthy oral habits. The benefit of healthy habits can include nasal breathing, a proper swallow pattern, favorable resting tongue position and preserving orthodontic results from this program.
This program is comprehensive and covers a variety of oral problems. This program helps reverse damaging habits, such as tongue thrust. This program can last from six months to a year. The objective of this program is to eliminate bad habits, demonstrate therapeutic facial exercises, develop proper lip seal and tongue placement and teach chewing and swallowing patterns to reinforce good habits. These goals will help the structures in the mouth stay in balance and habitualizing the learned behaviors is most important for long term success.
Let’s Change Things
Orofacial Myology Programs have helped literally thousands of individuals, in dozens of countries, for over 50 years!
As a colleague of Susie Quaranta for several years I am delighted to recommend her to patients and other professionals. I observed as she diligently prepared herself to be a therapist for years even while working as a dental hygienist. Her bedside manner is that of a seasoned, experienced veteran. Susie’s passion for her education and field of study is contagious. I have always known her to continually strive to expand her knowledge and experience. Susie is quite possibly the warmest, nicest, most genuine and dedicated colleague that I have met in many years. As a patient of hers I can attest that I achieved tremendous results and would not hesitate to refer to her or rely on her expertise in sharing her gifts and knowledge with others.
My 10 year old son Tyler first visited Susan approximately 4 months ago, in preparation for a frenectomy and ALF appliance to treat his cross-bite and frequent migraines. I wasn’t sure what to expect or understand exactly how myofunctional therapy worked, but Susan quickly earned my trust and confidence in her expertise.
Tyler and I both immediately felt at ease as she explained why his tongue tie was an issue, how the frenectomy and proper exercises afterwards would train his tongue to sit properly in his mouth, support his teeth, swallow his food more effectively, reduce tension and eventually relieve his pain. These are things I just hadn’t thought about before but make so much sense!
Susan has been so supportive of both Tyler and me as we navigated the frenectomy itself, the healing after, and the post-frenectomy exercises. Her calm but knowledgeable approach have made a significant impact on Tyler healing well, and she’s gone above and beyond to check in on his progress consistently. She is so caring, nurturing and dedicated – she’s been a true gift in this process and I can honestly say we wouldn’t have gotten through it without her! We look forward to continuing this journey to true health with Susan in our corner!
Susan Quaranta, RDH, BS, COM presented at our component meeting here in Southeastern Connecticut regarding myofunctional therapy. Her enthusiasm for MYO is obvious, she presented a perspective of adding myo certification to an existing dental hygiene professional’s credentials. Not only did this presentation provide insight to myofunctional therapy, but it enlightened hygienists toward the importance of certifications “beyond the dental chair” and excited the participants to realize their educational advantage to serve as a myofunctional therapist. I highly recommend Susan for her professionalism, encouragement and support of dental hygienists.