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Inspiring Wellness, One Smile at A Time

Maximizing Oral Health with Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Centered Orthodontics: How They Work Together

Understanding Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Centered Orthodontics

Myofunctional therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on correcting improper or dysfunctional oral habits that can affect the health of the mouth and airway. These habits include mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and improper swallowing patterns. Myofunctional therapy uses exercises and techniques to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face to promote proper function and posture.
Airway centered orthodontics, on the other hand, is an approach to orthodontic treatment that considers the impact of orthodontic treatment on the airway. This approach promotes proper nasal breathing and optimal airway function while achieving orthodontic goals such as straightening teeth and improving the bite. By using appliances or techniques that support the airway, airway centered orthodontics can help to improve breathing during sleep and reduce the risk of sleep apnea and other airway-related issues.
 

Benefits of Combining Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Centered Orthodontics 

By combining myofunctional therapy with airway centered orthodontics, patients can achieve optimal oral health, better sleep, and an improved quality of life. This comprehensive approach not only corrects improper oral habits, but also supports proper airway function.

Common Myofunctional Therapy Exercises

Here are some commonly done myofunctional therapy exercises that can help promote proper oral function:
  1. Tongue posture exercises: These exercises involve placing the tongue in the correct position on the roof of the mouth, behind the front teeth. This can help to support proper jaw alignment and promote nasal breathing.
  2. Lip strengthening exercises: These exercises involve using resistance to strengthen the muscles around the mouth, promoting proper lip seal and reducing the risk of mouth breathing.
  3. Swallowing exercises: These exercises involve practicing proper swallowing patterns to promote proper tongue positioning and prevent tongue thrusting.
  4. Breathing exercises: These exercises involve practicing nasal breathing and developing the habit of breathing through the nose rather than the mouth.

How Myofunctional Therapy and Airway Centered Orthodontics Work Together

By incorporating myofunctional therapy exercises into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes airway centered orthodontics, patients can achieve optimal oral health and airway function. Myofunctional therapy can correct improper oral habits that contribute to airway dysfunction, while airway centered orthodontics can support proper airway function and improve breathing during sleep.
 
If you are interested in learning more about how myofunctional therapy and airway centered orthodontics can benefit you, please contact us to schedule a consultation. With our myofunctional therapist on staff, we can provide a comprehensive approach to oral health that supports proper function and posture of the mouth and face.
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