What is an orofacial myofunctional disorder?
The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) is a certifying body for orofacial myologists, defines Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders as “atypical, adaptive patterns that emerge in the absence of normalized patterns within the orofacial complex. The regular presence of these adaptive movements can often result in a variety of disturbances.”
Mouth breathing
Breathing through the mouth can cause enlarged tonsils and adenoids, cavities, snoring, and a low resting tongue.
TOngue thrust
Anterior movement of the tongue can impact speech production and swallowing.
TEThered oral tissue
Tongue and lip ties can impact resting oral posture, feeding, posture, neck, shoulder, and jaw tension, and specific speech sounds.
Prolonged sucking habits
Extended pacifier or digit sucking can result in low sitting tongue, a high/narrow palate, mouth breathing, speech errors, and malocclusion.
Grinding, Clenching, Sleep apnea
Grinding, clenching, and sleep apnea can be a sign of airway obstruction.
Orofacial myology is the treatment of orofacial dysfunction or orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD). A differential diagnosis to determine specific structural and/or functional impacts will help in establishing an individualized treatment plan.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) requires a client have the cognitive skills to be able to participate in active exercises. OMT is appropriate for children, at least four-years-old through adulthood.
Children under four are not eligible for OMT.
Don’t take our word for it!
Here’s what our patients say:
I am an adult patient, with a very rare issue.
I went to Erin at the referral of my orthodontist, who would not treat me with this issue. The issue was affecting my eating, talking, and was giving me extreme anxiety.
Erin was kind and understanding and very compassionate towards my issue. She worked with me and was so caring. She is very knowledgeable. After treatment, I am feeling much better. Many of my concerns are gone. I should now be able to get the orthodontic treatment I need.
I highly recommend Erin!
Adult with
Orofacial myofunctional disorder
…did great with surgery! He is already breathing with a closed mouth. Thank you for all the prep leading up to today!
Parent of child with mouth breathing and enlarged tonsils
Erin treated my seventeen year old daughter for a lisp after she had double jaw surgery. She corrected my daughter’s lisp in a FEW weeks! Erin is fantastic! She is an excellent clinician and explains treatments very clearly. She is so sweet and very encouraging. My daughter really enjoyed her sessions. We could not have had a better experience.