The Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Oral Health
Myofunctional therapy is a treatment health practitioners use to treat conditions like TMJ, sleep apnea, and bruxism. The treatment consists of basic exercises for the tongue and other muscles in the mouth to correct bad habits, reduce tension, and lower the muscles’ negative impact on the head, neck, and jaws. When it comes to oral health, myofunctional therapy is actually one of the most beneficial non-surgical treatments available because it teaches patients how to correct the effects of their own bad habits through a few minutes of exercises a day.
Non-Invasive Therapy
One of the first benefits for oral health is that myofunctional therapy is non-invasive. Dentists prefer to follow the path of least resistance and try to avoid invasive procedures because they have greater chances for complications. An individual suffering from headaches or oral stress because of sleep apnea or TMJ can reduce their symptoms through this therapy without having to run the surgical risks of infections, bleeding, and aesthetical blemishes. The only catch is that the patient must be consistent with their treatment and do exercises for a few minutes every day.
Eliminates the Use of Permanent Appliances
Permanent appliances are rare but sometimes necessary when a person is suffering from crippling issues related to the overall structure of the mouth and jaw. A permanent refers to one that cannot be removed for a set period of time, ranging anywhere from several weeks to multiple years. Through the use of myofunctional therapy, patients can skip the necessity of having a permanent appliance placed in their mouth and instead enjoy a removable alternative, which can be taken out as needed.
Permanent appliances are beneficial, but they often aren’t as comfortable as removable options. Removable variations can be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis, reducing the amount of bacteria that propagates the mouth and lowering chances of infection. A removable appliance can also be taken out during significant events like weddings and school pictures, helping raise the wearer’s confidence. After all, a stigma still exists against people who wear orthodontic gear or similar appliances even though they are necessary to improve health and wellness.
Repairs the Damage of Bad Habits
One of the main reasons myofunctional therapy is recommended to an individual is because they have practiced bad habits during their formative years. For example, someone who spent their childhood sucking their thumb or using a pacifier too long will shift their teeth and affect the muscles that control the jaw. This damage needs to be undone, and the simplest way to do so is by encouraging the patients to perform a couple of basic oral exercises. It is definitely preferably to trying to perform an invasive surgery or installing an appliance for jaw correction.
Stopping Problems Before They Worsen
A bit issue among children and teenagers is that their habits will affect the future of their oral health and wellness. So, while myofunctional therapy can be used to repair the damage of old habits, it can also stop the damage before it starts. For example, a common problem is abnormal muscle function, which can be identified by the patient drooling or having limited speech at a young age. By doing the exercises, children and teenagers can fix the muscles before any damage worsens, restoring the muscles intended function.
How to Receive Treatment
Whether or not a patient will benefit from this style of therapy is determined during a visit with a qualified dentist and their staff. There are a couple of key signs to search for, and additional tests are often needed to determine whether or not a patient is a candidate. For those looking for myofunctional therapy from a dentist in Frisco, one option is to contact the professionals at Millennium Smiles.
These are Frisco dentists near you who treat patients in the 75036 area and can work with individuals of all ages. Millennium Smiles offers initial consultations that include an exam and cleaning to see what conditions a patient is suffering from and to what extent potential issues affect regular oral function. If you’re seeking the best dentist in Frisco to help you and your loved ones, then look no further.