Myofunctional Therapy in Frisco, TX

Myofunctional Therapy

Pain Relief When You Need It Most
Discover an Emergency Dentist Near You!

Understanding Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and Myofunctional Therapy

At Millennium Smiles, we’re committed to addressing not just the symptoms but the root causes of oral and facial concerns. Many of these issues stem from orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs)—conditions caused by improper function of the muscles in the face, mouth, and jaw. OMDs can significantly impact dental alignment, breathing, posture, speech, and even digestion.

Myofunctional therapy in Frisco, TX, is a gentle, non-invasive treatment designed to retrain and strengthen these vital muscles. Through a series of specialized exercises and behavior modifications, this therapy restores balance and function, helping to resolve concerns such as improper tongue posture, mouth breathing, chewing and swallowing difficulties, and speech challenges.

By focusing on the underlying muscle patterns, myofunctional therapy not only improves oral health but also supports better breathing habits, improved posture and alignment, enhanced sleep quality, and overall systemic well-being.

At Millennium Smiles, Dr. Dunia Korous works closely with patients to provide personalized care that delivers long-term results. Whether you’re struggling with sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing, or other OMD-related issues, our approach is tailored to improve your quality of life in a meaningful way.

Here are some of the common OMDs we treat at Millennium Smiles:

Forward Head and Slouched Posture

  • Poor muscle function can impact body posture, leading to a forward-leaning head and slumped shoulders.

Long Face Syndrome

  • An elongated facial structure often results from chronic mouth breathing or poor oral posture.

Mouth/Lips Open at Rest

  • Keeping the lips open while at rest is a sign of improper oral posture and can lead to breathing and dental issues.

Mouth Breathing

  • This habit impacts oxygen intake, oral-facial development, and even sleep quality.

Tongue Thrusting

  • Improper tongue movement during swallowing or speaking can cause dental misalignment, speech issues, and more.

Thumb, Finger, or Lip Sucking

  • Prolonged sucking habits disrupt oral development and may lead to orthodontic issues like overbites or open bites.

Nail Biting or Lip Licking

  • These habits strain facial muscles and can negatively impact teeth and lips over time.

Restricted Frenum (Tongue-Tie)

  • A tongue-tie limits tongue movement, affecting speech, swallowing, and even breathing.

Our expert dentist in Frisco TX, Dr. Dunia Korous, emphasizes the importance of treating OMDs early to prevent long-term complications. OMDs can have serious long-term consequences. If left untreated, they may:

Affect the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment, leading to orthodontic relapse or crooked teeth.

  • When the muscles in the mouth, jaw, and face are not functioning properly, they can cause misalignment of the teeth, even after orthodontic treatment. This can lead to relapse and the need for additional corrections down the road.

Disrupt facial growth and development, potentially affecting both appearance and function.

  • Improper muscle function can interfere with the natural growth and development of the face, leading to issues like facial asymmetry or underdeveloped areas that may require additional treatment or surgery in the future.

Interfere with breastfeeding in infants due to improper tongue and jaw function.

  • In infants, OMDs like a tongue-tie can prevent effective latching, leading to breastfeeding difficulties and discomfort for both mother and baby.

Contribute to the development of a forward head posture, causing discomfort and strain.

  • Chronic mouth breathing and improper muscle function can lead to a forward head posture, putting excess strain on the neck and shoulders, which can lead to long-term discomfort and musculoskeletal issues.

Lead to grinding or clenching of teeth, increasing the risk of tooth damage and jaw pain.

  • OMDs often lead to the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, which can wear down teeth, cause enamel damage, and result in jaw pain or stiffness.

Result in TMJ dysfunctions, leading to chronic jaw pain and difficulty with movement.

  • Improper alignment and muscle function can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing pain, popping, or difficulty moving the jaw, which can lead to more serious conditions over time.

Cause frequent headaches and migraines due to muscle tension in the face and jaw.

  • The muscles in the face and jaw work closely together, so if they’re not functioning properly, it can lead to excessive tension and result in chronic headaches or migraines.

Be associated with sleep breathing disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea.

  • OMDs like mouth breathing and improper tongue posture can obstruct the airways, leading to sleep disturbances such as snoring or even more serious conditions like sleep apnea.

Contribute to gum disease from improper tongue posture and mouth breathing.

  • Mouth breathing often leads to a dry mouth, which can increase the risk of gum disease and cavities. Additionally, improper tongue posture can hinder natural oral cleaning processes, contributing to long-term oral health problems.

Cause middle ear drainage issues, potentially leading to recurrent ear infections.

  • OMDs can affect the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, leading to poor ear drainage and a buildup of fluid, which can result in frequent ear infections, especially in children.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy: Expert Insights from Your Frisco Dentist 

At Millennium Smiles, Dr. Dunia Korous and our dedicated team take a comprehensive, personalized approach to your oral health and overall well-being. We’re proud to offer myofunctional therapy near you, a holistic and effective treatment that has helped many individuals improve their muscle function, tongue posture, and breathing patterns.

Myofunctional therapy addresses a wide range of orofacial and functional challenges for both adults and kids, helping to improve muscle function, tongue posture, and breathing patterns in a way that is tailored to each individual’s needs. For children, early intervention can prevent future issues with speech, dental development, and sleep quality. By teaching proper breathing and swallowing habits, myofunctional therapy supports healthy growth, helping to prevent problems like misaligned teeth or mouth breathing before they even start.

Below, we highlight some of the ways this innovative therapy can benefit our patients:

Patients Undergoing TMD Treatment

  • Did you know that 90% of temporomandibular disorders (TMD, also known as TMJ) are related to muscle dysfunction? Myofunctional therapy helps reduce muscle tension, improve jaw alignment, and alleviate pain associated with TMD.

Orthodontic Patients

  • Whether you’re currently in braces or dealing with orthodontic relapse (crowding, shifting, open bite, or crossbite), myofunctional therapy retrains tongue posture and swallowing patterns, preventing issues from recurring.

Mouth Breathers

  • Mouth breathing can impact oral-facial development, sleep quality, and overall health. This therapy encourages nasal breathing, promoting better oxygenation and a healthier smile.

Sleep Breathing Disorders

  • Struggling with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea? Myofunctional therapy improves tongue posture and airway function, which can lead to better sleep and enhanced energy levels.

Tongue-Tie or Tongue Restrictions

  • Pre- and post-operative support for frenectomy procedures (tongue-tie correction) is essential. Therapy ensures the tongue functions optimally after surgery, leading to improved speech, swallowing, and rest posture.

Tongue Thrusters

  • If you or your child has a tongue thrust, this therapy helps retrain swallowing and resting tongue posture, preventing dental and speech issues.

Individuals with Oral Habits

  • Bad habits like thumb-sucking, nail-biting, or prolonged use of bottles, pacifiers, or sippy cups can disrupt oral development. Myofunctional therapy gently eliminates these habits and promotes healthier patterns.

Post-Surgical Recovery

  • If you’ve recently had nasal surgery, a tonsillectomy, or orthognathic surgery, myofunctional therapy helps you adjust to changes and recover with better muscle function and breathing patterns.

Patients with Allergies or Airway Challenges

  • Struggling with allergies or enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or turbinates? Therapy supports proper breathing and functional patterns despite airway restrictions.

Clenchers and Grinders

  • Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism) can strain your jaw muscles and teeth. Myofunctional therapy helps relax these muscles and break the cycle.

ADD/ADHD Patients

  • Poor sleep and breathing patterns are often linked to attention challenges. Therapy improves sleep quality, helping patients feel more focused and energized.

Facial Asymmetry

  • Myofunctional therapy improves muscle tone and coordination, reducing asymmetry caused by poor functional patterns over time.

Myofunctional Therapy Process 

At Millennium Smiles, Dr. Dunia Korous uses a personalized, non-invasive approach to myofunctional therapy, that focuses on improving the function of your facial muscles, including the tongue, lips, and jaw. This therapy is designed to address the root causes of issues like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and improper swallowing rather than just masking symptoms. Here is what to expect during your myofunctional therapy journey:

Initial Evaluation: Your journey begins with a deep dive into your unique needs. Dr. Dunia Korous conducts a thorough evaluation of your oral and facial muscle function, posture, and any habits that may be affecting your health. Using advanced CBCT (3D imaging) technology, we take a close look at your airway, jaw, and surrounding structures. This cutting-edge approach gives us a complete picture, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Therapy Plan and Exercises: You’ll learn a series of exercises that help re-train your muscles and correct any harmful habits. These exercises will focus on improving tongue posture, lip function, and muscle strength in the face and jaw.

Regular Check-ins: What truly sets Millennium Smiles apart is the care and attention you’ll receive throughout your therapy. Dr. Korous and her team are with you every step of the way, offering hands-on guidance and real-time feedback to ensure you’re performing each exercise effectively. We continuously adapt your plan as you progress, ensuring that your therapy remains both effective and engaging.

With Dr. Dunia Korous leading your treatment at Millennium Smiles, most patients can expect to complete their therapy in 6 months to a year. Dr. Korous has a proven track record of success in helping patients achieve lasting results. Our goal is to provide a focused and supportive treatment plan that is designed to improve your overall health and quality of life.

By the time your therapy is complete, you’ll have a better-functioning mouth and face, leading to improved oral health, breathing, swallowing, and even posture. At Millennium Smiles, we’re committed to providing you with a supportive, results-driven experience that enhances both your health and quality of life.

Take the First Step Toward Better Health!

At Millennium Smiles, your journey to lasting health starts here! Dr. Korous provides personalized myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of oral and facial concerns, offering a holistic approach that improves not only your oral health but also your breathing, swallowing, speaking, posture, and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with sleep apnea, mouth breathing, difficulty swallowing, or other muscle-related issues, our customized therapy plans are tailored to deliver long-term results and enhance the quality of life for you or your loved ones. Start your journey toward better health today—schedule your myofunctional therapy consultation near you and transform your smile and well-being!

Click to listen highlighted text!