Welcome to Spot On Myo
Welcome to Spot On Myo. We treat orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD’s) which are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. We offer our patients diagnosis of and individualized treatment options for OMD’s. We teach patients how to use their oral and facial muscles properly through OMT or orofacial myofunctional therapy. Using a regimen of oral and facial exercises, patients can have improved swallowing and chewing & speak and breathe easier. Other benefits of treatment include better retention of orthodontic treatment, proper oral growth and development, improved sleeping patterns and better facial esthetics.
What is OMD?
These can be unconscious behaviors that cause muscles to function in the incorrect way. They can also include damaging habits that cause the mouth to develop improperly. The muscles affected can include the tongue, lips, jaw and face. Often times, many muscles are involved due to a ripple effect. If one muscle is working incorrectly, this can cause other muscles to compensate and work inaccurately as well.
Symptoms
Symptoms of orofacial disorders can be very obvious or can happen over a period of time and be unclear. Signs and symptoms of OMD can include open mouth breathing, lisping during speech and abnormalities with teeth alignment. These symptoms can be a sign of a disorder that can be helped with orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Treatment
Treatment is appropriate for children, teens and adults. Treatment goals are individualized and are meant to create new healthy oral habits. The benefit of healthy habits can include nasal breathing, favorable resting tongue position and preserving orthodontic results from treatment.
Common OMD
These conditions are some of the most common for our patients.
Tongue Tie
Tongue tie is a structural condition. It is caused by a shortened attachment of tissue under the tongue. The tighter attachment makes the tongue more difficult to move around. It can cause difficulty with speech, improper swallowing and an open bite of the teeth.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a habit that sometimes starts before birth. This habit can be unfavorable due to the thumb’s ability to cause low tongue posture. The pressure of the thumb can push the roof of the mouth up, causing it to narrow. It can also push the teeth out and apart and cause the teeth to have an open bite where they are unable to come together.
Tongue Thrust
Tongue thrust is an unconscious behavior pattern. The tongue pushes at the front teeth during speech, swallowing and when resting. This thrusting pattern can contribute to speech or orthodontic issues. Through orofacial therapy, the tongue can be retrained to rest in a proper position.