Myofunctional Appliance therapy

The primary muscles of mastication are associated with the movements of the jaw. They are the paramount muscle group in the head- the other being the muscles of facial expression. However, myofunctional malfunctioning occurs with the abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue position during rest, swallowing, or speech. Myofunctional Appliance therapy focuses on eliminating or guiding the anomalies arising from muscle function, tooth eruption, and growth to alter skeletal and dental relationships. Myofunctional Therapy corrects the soft tissues and breathing when the child is young. This means that Myofunctional treatment can grow jaws, expand arches, and correct skeletal discrepancies.

What are Myofunctional Appliances and how do they work?

Myofunctional Appliances are either fixed or removable orthodontics appliances. These appliances use the generated force from the stretching of muscles, fascia, and periodontium to change the skeletal or dental relationship. Myofunctional appliances stop the unusual or excessive development of the upper jaw, placing it forward than the lower jaw. The most important work of myofunctional appliances is to restrict or redirect the growth of the upper jaw and stimulate the growth of the lower jaw. The myofunctional appliances are of several types including, A Bionator, Frankel, Herbst, and Twin Block.

What are the treatment criteria of Myofunctional Therapy?

The treatment criteria of Myofunctional Therapy entail the use of pre-formed appliances that are like a loose-fitting positioner. The treatment of Myofunctional therapy takes place by using the myofunctional appliances like a Bionator, Frankel, Herbst, and twin block. With the use of these appliances, an orthodontist will treat the abnormal muscular growth. Your myofunctional therapist will create an individualized program to retrain your orofacial muscles and improve function. Some goals of your training might include normalizing the resting posture for your tongue and lips, establishing nasal breathing patterns, or eliminating harmful habits like thumb-sucking. With the help of a myofunctional therapist, you can treat your orofacial myofunctional disorder, correct your mouth’s alignment, and get your smile back on track. However, recent studies have confirmed that myofunctional therapy might also treat and reduce the symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (such as snoring) and ameliorate mild to moderate OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).

What are the benefits of Myofunctional Appliance Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy boosts the self-esteem and confidence in children. The benefit of the therapy includes:

• A child will regain the joy of eating, speaking, sleeping, and breathing soundly
• A non-invasive treatment
• Straighten the teeth along with various cosmetic benefits
• Cure Sleep Apnea
• Improves Facial Expressions
• Use of easy, reliable, and removable appliances

What to do after a Myofunctional Appliance Therapy?

Your myofunctional therapist will recommend you the following instructions:

• It is important to wear your appliance as instructed by your doctor
• You should remove your appliance after every meal and going to bed, the appliance should be cleaned and washed properly
• Sweets, chewing gums, and hard candies should be avoided

Initially, after wearing an appliance, the child might feel tenderness in the teeth. However, the tenderness will go away after a day or two. In case, it does not go away, contact your doctor.

It is very important to follow the instructions of your doctor. If the child fails to wear the appliance as per the doctor’s command, the appliance might stop working. The child must be taken to regular dental check-ups including follow-ups as recommended by the doctor.

What services do we offer regarding Myofunctional Therapy?

At Saudi German Hospital, we have a team of well-trained and highly qualified myofunctional therapists who are associated and affiliated with the German Medical Board. Our myofunctional therapists will create an individualized program to retrain your orofacial muscles and improve function. Some goals of your training might include normalizing the resting posture for your tongue and lips, establishing nasal breathing patterns, or eliminating harmful habits like thumb-sucking. With a diagnosis from our dental professional and help from a myofunctional therapist, you can treat your orofacial myofunctional disorder, correct your mouth’s alignment, and get your smile back on track.