Orofacial myofunctional disorders can have a negative effect on the growth and development of the dentition. Dental eruption patterns and dental alignment can be disrupted. Speech articulation patterns may become distorted. The temporomandibular joint apparatus can become impaired or damaged from abnormal oral functional patterns.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy may be recommended for a variety of reasons for children and adults. A major treatment goal of correcting or improving resting tongue and lip relationships can aid in the development of normal patterns of dental eruption and alignment. The elimination of tongue thrusting and lip incompetence can have a positive effect on cosmetic appearance. If the patient has orthodontic appliances in place or has completed orthodontic treatment, correcting the myofunctional disorder can help to stabilize the orthodontic result by creating a more desirable and healthy oral environment.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy procedures are designed to eliminate harmful habit patterns, to normalize resting tongue, lips and jaw positions, or to retrain muscle patterns when there is tongue thrusting.
Submitted by iaomAdmin on Thu, 10/22/2009 - 19:06