Madison Oral Myofunctional Therapy
Improve breathing, bite, and orofacial posture
Can you benefit from myofunctional therapy?
Proper functioning of the mouth is critical to overall body function. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly:
- Facial skeletal growth and development
- Breastfeeding
- Chewing
- Swallowing
- Speech
- Occlusion
- TMJ movement
- Oral hygiene
- Stability of orthodontic treatment
- Facial esthetics
With myofunctional therapy, a patient can regain the joy of eating, speaking, breathing, and sleeping more soundly. Cosmetic improvements can help restore confidence and self-esteem. We believe that everyone deserves to be educated about myofunctional disorders and treated if they suffer from OMDs.
Book a consultation today to learn more.
Our approach to myofunctional therapy
Focused on long-term health
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is “neuromuscular re-education” of the oral and facial muscles. This therapy is painless, and the exercises are relatively simple. When certain muscles of the face are activated and functioning properly, others will follow suit until proper coordination of the tongue and facial muscles is attained.
Proper resting tongue position and posture during swallowing are crucial to facial growth. If the tongue is resting in the lower jaw, it will alter the growth of the upper and lower jaws, affect craniofacial growth patterns and impact the posture of the head, neck, and upper body.
We focus on encouraging correct facial development, improving airway space, teaching nasal breathing, and teaching patients the tools for long-term health.
Myofunctional Therapy Goals
- Breathing through the nose at all times
- Lip seal
- Tongue on the roof of the mouth
- Correct swallow
- Correct posture
Collaboration
Our myofunctional therapist is just one member of the team that will successfully treat an OMD. It’s not uncommon for us to recommend additional providers as we work to heal our patients. We commonly collaborate with speech therapists, osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, and ear/nose/throat specialists to improve a patient’s overall well-being.
Patient commitment is key
Myofunctional therapy requires commitment from the patient. We find that we’re most successful when we work with patients who understand the impact oral habits make on tooth position and facial growth and are committed to affecting a positive change in overall health.
What to expect with myofunctional therapy
Our myofunctional therapists also work with young children for habit elimination, such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. We use a reward system along with self-esteem motivational work so that children are the ones who want to change.
Your myofunctional therapy may include:
- Myobrace – This custom-made oral appliance helps align the teeth and jaws properly while training and strengthening the orofacial muscles.
- Buteyko Breathing Method – During Buteyko Breathing sessions, patients learn to breathe more slowly and shallowly through their noses.
“The best dental experience my kids ever had. Dr. Adams and the staff are really patient, kind, and masters of what they are doing. In my kids’ case, it is palate expansion, airway improvement, and myofunctional therapy.”
— Lyubov B.
“I spoke with Dr. Adams regarding my son’s facial asymmetry and I was impressed by the depth of her knowledge and expertise. Dr. Adams has a holistic understanding of dental health. She listened to my concerns attentively and patiently and provided me with a thorough explanation and compassionate advice.”
— Maria C.
“My whole family is being looked after wonderfully by the staff at Adams Dental. Dr. Adams has a holistic approach that goes beyond dentistry and takes the whole person into account, kids as well as adults.”
— Lutz P.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
We want you to feel confident in your decision to undergo ALF appliance therapy. Our team is here to make sure you’re equipped to make an informed decision. Please reach out with any questions about the ALF approach. Or explore our dentists’ curated library of recommended dental products and resources.
Investing in your dental care
Adams Dental is a fee-for-service practice, so it’s no problem if you don’t have insurance. Our out-of-network policy allows us to provide you with personalized care that’s never dictated by insurance.
For those with insurance, our team is happy to complete and submit dental and medical insurance claims on your behalf. As an integrative therapy, myofunctional therapy is sometimes covered by dental insurance depending on your policy. Payment options also include CareCredit financing and treatment schedules to fit your budget.
Questions? Call us at (973) 377-6500.
Our Office
Find our office at the corner of Madison Avenue and Kings Road, next to Rose Hall.
One Kings Road
Madison, NJ 07940
Monday: 8am–6pm
Tuesday: 7:30am–4:30pm
Wednesday: 7:30am–4:30pm
Thursday: 7:30am–4:30pm
Friday: 7:30am–2pm
Saturday: 7:30am–1:30pm
A Practice Rooted in Compassion, Connection and Integrity
Book your appointment online or call us at (973) 377-6500. We look forward to getting to know you.
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We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” dentistry. Our Madison dentists look beyond your teeth and consider your entire well-being. This custom-tailored approach is rooted in open communication and collaboration to find the right solution to fit your health, lifestyle, and goals.