In the realm of healthcare, the intricate relationship between our orofacial muscles and overall well-being often goes unnoticed. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT), also known as Orofacial Myology, emerges as a groundbreaking approach to address orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) and enhance various aspects of health.
https://tmjcentrent.com/2021/12/08/the-importance-of-myofunctional-therapy/
Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy:
OMT is a specialised field focusing on the "neuromuscular re-education or re-patterning of the orofacial muscles." By honing in on the muscles responsible for facial expressions, speech, and daily functions, OMT seeks to rectify orofacial myofunctional disorders.
The Reach of OMDs:
Orofacial myofunctional disorders can extend their influence far beyond the realm of oral health. They directly and indirectly affect critical functions such as sleep, breathing, chewing, swallowing, speech, breastfeeding, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, facial aesthetics, orofacial skeletal growth and development, dental occlusion, dental health, and even orthodontic treatment stability.
Rooted in Breathing:
Many OMDs find their origins in insufficient habitual nasal breathing or mouth breathing. The subsequent adaptation of muscles and oral and facial functions to these disordered breathing patterns can lead to a cascade of issues.
The Four Pillars of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy:
Nasal Breathing: OMT aims to promote nasal breathing throughout the day and night, optimising respiratory functions and fostering overall well-being.
Lips Together at Rest: Encouraging individuals to keep their lips together at rest helps prevent mouth breathing and contributes to a more balanced orofacial environment.
Correct Tongue Posture at Rest: Placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth during rest periods aids in maintaining proper oral posture, positively impacting various functions.
Correct Swallowing: Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy targets correcting swallowing patterns to enhance overall oral and facial muscle coordination.
The Therapeutic Approach:
OMT employs a multifaceted strategy, integrating facial and tongue exercises along with behavior modification techniques. This holistic approach addresses the root causes of OMDs, aiming to retrain and optimise the neuromuscular functions of the orofacial region.
The Transformative Impact:
By embracing Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, individuals can experience a profound transformation in their overall well-being. Beyond addressing specific disorders, OMT contributes to improved sleep, enhanced breathing, more efficient chewing and swallowing, clearer speech, and a host of other benefits.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy stands at the forefront of healthcare innovations, offering a comprehensive solution to a wide range of orofacial myofunctional disorders. As awareness grows, so does the potential for individuals to unlock a new level of wellness through the transformative power of OMT.
At the forefront of this holistic approach is our esteemed team member, Dr. Aoife Stack, a passionate biological dentist with a keen interest in unraveling the intricate connections between oral health and overall well-being.
Meet Dr. Aoife Stack
Dr. Aoife Stack brings a wealth of expertise to our clinic, blending her skills as a general dentist with a specialised focus on how function and structure intertwine to impact crucial aspects of our daily lives. Her journey into this specialised field was sparked by a deep curiosity about the intricate relationship between orofacial function and various health parameters.
Dr. Stack has augmented her knowledge through a one-year orthodontic certificate in London, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of orthodontic principles. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field led her to train with the prestigious Breathe Institute in Los Angeles, specialising in the treatment of tongue tie—a crucial element in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Dr. Stack seamlessly integrates orofacial myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatments, offering a unique and comprehensive approach to her patients. Notably, she performs functional frenuloplasty, a procedure that addresses tongue tie in both children and adults. Driven by a passion for innovation, she is currently participating in the first cohort of early intervention orthodontics with clear aligners post-graduate diploma. This groundbreaking initiative provides a metal-free early intervention option for children.
An avid learner, Dr. Aoife Stack regularly engages in ongoing education by attending courses and conferences, ensuring she stays abreast of the latest developments and cutting-edge techniques in the field.
Dr. Stack's influence extends beyond our clinic as she actively contributes to the dental community. She serves as a board member of the British Society of Dental Sleep Medicine, reflecting her dedication to promoting optimal sleep health. Additionally, her expertise extends to the treatment of snoring using lasers, showcasing her versatility in addressing a spectrum of orofacial concerns.
Dr. Aoife Stack conducts her transformative treatments within our clinic, seamlessly integrating orofacial myofunctional therapy with orthodontic interventions. Her multidisciplinary approach, combined with a passion for holistic well-being, empowers patients to improve health by improving breathing and sleep quality.