Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation in Missouri City, TX

What is a Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation

A myofunctional therapy evaluation is the first step in identifying issues related to the function of the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. These issues, also known as orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), can contribute to various health concerns, which include:

• Mouth breathing
• Improper tongue posture
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Speech difficulties
• Sleep-disordered breathing (including snoring and sleep apnea)
• Orthodontic relapse or bite misalignment
• Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

At our practice in Missouri City, we perform myofunctional therapy evaluation to examine how your orofacial muscles work while chewing, swallowing, and speaking. It helps us detect any abnormalities at an early stage, so they can be addressed with a personalized program of orofacial exercises and therapy.

Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for patients of all ages who experience issues related to OMDs. Children often benefit the most when therapy begins early, especially if they show signs of mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, speech delays, or difficulty chewing and swallowing. These techniques can also promote healthy facial and jaw development.

It is also helpful for teens and adults who experience sleep-disordered breathing (particularly due to obstructive sleep apnea), chronic jaw pain, or bruxism. By evaluating your specific needs, we can determine if myofunctional therapy can improve your oral and overall health.

What to Expect During Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation at Our Clinic in Missouri City

During your evaluation, Dr. Alonso will start by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical and dental history. We will then assess the functioning of your tongue and facial muscles to see how they impact your routine activities like chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech.

Our dental team may also record digital X-rays and 3D scans for a detailed evaluation of your oral cavity and surrounding structures. If we identify any signs of an OMD, we will recommend the next best steps to improve the posture and functioning of your orofacial muscles.