The importance of diagnosing and treating OMDs, part 5

This post is the fifth in a multi part series on the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of OMDs. If you haven’t read parts 1 – 4 yet, I recommend you do before continuing.

Effects of OMDs on oral hygiene, stability of orthodontic treatment, and facial esthetics (continued)

Various OMDs also cause the muscles of the face to stay in unnatural tension. This not only affects facial aesthetics but leads to aches and in some cases even muscle spasms, as well as a distorted, sluggish appearance in the face.

Treating OMDs

Myofunctional therapy offers relief to sufferers of a wide range of OMDs. A dentist office is a great place to diagnose and treat OMDs for a few reasons. First, dentists are often the healthcare provider that people see most frequently. Furthermore, dentists and dental hygienists are experts on the anatomy and function of the mouth and jaw area. Dental professionals are also in a great position to spot myofunctional disorders in children, when they commonly affect development.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy, or OMT, treats myofunctional disorders by strengthening and retraining the muscles and structures where the problem lies. It achieves this in several ways, the most common being via a personalized regimen of exercises that target the affected area. The exercises are simple and pain-free. As long as the patient can stick with them and do them regularly, they can provide relief for a wide variety of OMDs by correcting postural issues and restoring natural function.

Myofunctional therapy can also be extremely helpful alongside other treatments. For example, the most common treatment for patients with tongue tie is called a surgical procedure called a frenuloplasty. After surgery, myofunctional therapy allows for the muscles of the mouth, jaw, and throat to be properly retrained and strengthened for maximum patient benefit.

Dr. Abeyta and her team take a holistic approach to orofacial health. She integrates myofunctional therapy, acupuncture, and more into her practice to treat her patient’s maladies wherever they lie. If you want to learn more about treatment of OMDs, or you’re ready to schedule a consultation, give the office a call today!