Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) involve atypical patterns of muscle function and incorrect habits involving the face, lips, jaw, and tongue. Common OMDs include tongue thrust swallowing pattern, habitual open mouth posture, thumb or finger sucking habits, and abnormal lip and tongue resting postures. These patterns can negatively impact dental development, orthodontic treatment outcomes, facial growth, and speech production.

OMDs may be caused or perpetuated by factors such as chronic nasal congestion or allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, prolonged pacifier or bottle use, thumb sucking habits, and structural factors such as a restricted lingual frenulum. Individuals with OMDs may present with dental malocclusion, anterior open bite, lisping, and difficulties with certain speech sounds.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy, provided by specially trained speech-language pathologists, focuses on retraining the muscles of the face and mouth to achieve correct resting posture, appropriate swallowing patterns, and nasal breathing. Treatment involves a systematic program of exercises that build awareness, strength, and coordination of the orofacial musculature, often in coordination with orthodontic care.