Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
OMT is a collaborative effort with the patient's dentist, orthodontist, and other healthcare providers.
Airway-Focused Therapy
Personalized Therapy
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) can be utilized to help lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea by strengthening the head, neck, oral and facial muscles to promote nasal breathing and a high tongue posture.
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As a hygienist it is part of our responsibility when seeing patients is to screen for sleep disordered breathing. Many patients are unaware that they are suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Untreated OSA can lead to a number of different health problems that can affect overall health
Children's Benefits Beyond Sleep
Prevention of Disordered Breathing
By strengthening the muscles of the head, neck, facial and oral muscles while in childhood we can help guide proper palatal, sinus, and facial development in hopes to prevent sleep disordered breathing as an adult. By doing so, this can potentially lessen the need for extensive orthodontic intervention.
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In addition, ADD & ADHD hyperactive symptoms have been misdiagnosed in some children who are actually suffering from sleep disordered breathing and not getting adequate oxygen while they are sleeping.
OMT Symptoms
Common Symptoms
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Thumb or object sucking
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Tongue thrusting
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Hyperactivity and trouble focusing, ADD/ADHD
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Obstructive Sleep Apena
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Crowded or crooked teeth
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Lip and/or tongue tie
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Orthodontic relapse
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Clenching or grinding teeth
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Migraine headaches
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Snoring and mouth breathing
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Enlarged tonsils
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TMD disorder and discomfort
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Anxiety and/or depression
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Over bite, under bite, or open bite.