Improving Oral and Overall Health
Firlik Family Dentistry and Airway Health Care are committed to providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond teeth. We recognize the importance of proper oral function and its impact on overall health and well-being. That’s why we offer Myofunctional Therapy as a valuable service to address various issues related to the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional Therapy (MFT) is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to function correctly. It addresses imbalances and dysfunctions in these muscles, which can contribute to a range of problems. Think of it as physical therapy for your face!
Why is Myofunctional Therapy Important?
Proper oral muscle function is crucial for:
- Breathing: Correct tongue posture and lip seal are essential for nasal breathing, which is healthier than mouth breathing.
- Swallowing: Proper swallowing patterns prevent strain on the jaw and neck muscles.
- Speech: Muscle imbalances can affect articulation and speech clarity.
- Chewing: Efficient chewing is necessary for proper digestion.
- Facial Development: Proper muscle function guides healthy jaw and facial growth in children.
- Sleep: Myofunctional Therapy can help improve sleep quality by addressing issues that contribute to snoring and sleep apnea.
- Orthodontic Stability: It can help maintain the results of orthodontic treatment (braces) by addressing underlying muscle imbalances that can cause teeth to shift back.
Conditions Myofunctional Therapy Can Help With:
Myofunctional Therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Mouth Breathing: Habitual mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, increased risk of cavities, and other health problems.
- Tongue Thrust: An improper swallowing pattern where the tongue pushes forward against the teeth.
- Thumb Sucking/Pacifier Use: Prolonged habits can affect tooth alignment and jaw development.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Muscle imbalances can contribute to TMJ pain and dysfunction.
- Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Weak or dysfunctional oral muscles can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.
- Speech Problems: Certain speech impediments can be related to muscle weakness or incoordination.
- Orthodontic Relapse: To help maintain the alignment of teeth after orthodontic treatment.
- Open Bite: A malocclusion where the front teeth don’t meet when the back teeth are closed.
What to Expect During Myofunctional Therapy:
The Myofunctional Therapy program at Firlik Family Dentistry and Airway Health Care is typically a personalized and progressive process. Here’s a general overview:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough assessment of your oral and facial muscles, breathing patterns, swallowing patterns, and posture.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: A customized plan is developed to address your specific needs and goals based on the evaluation.
- Exercises and Activities: You’ll learn a series of exercises designed to strengthen and retrain the muscles of your face, mouth, and throat.
- Regular Sessions: You’ll attend regular therapy sessions to learn new exercises, monitor your progress, and receive guidance from the therapist.
- Home Practice: Consistent home practice is essential for achieving optimal results. Between sessions, you’ll be given exercises to do on your own.
- Progress Monitoring: Your progress will be carefully monitored throughout the therapy process, and adjustments will be made to your treatment plan as needed.
Benefits of Choosing Firlik Family Dentistry and Airway Health Care for Myofunctional Therapy:
- Experienced Professionals: Firlik Family Dentistry has trained professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in Myofunctional Therapy.
- Comprehensive Approach: They take a holistic approach to oral health, considering the interconnectedness of the muscles, teeth, and overall well-being.
- Personalized Care: Treatment plans are tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: They utilize modern techniques and equipment to provide effective therapy.
- Commitment to Patient Education: They empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain long-term oral health.