Menu
Watch these exercise videos to see how simple and easy myofunctional therapy can be.
When practicing the mewing technique, the goal is to maintain proper oral posture rather than focusing on having your teeth touch or not touch. The proper oral posture involves resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth, with the tip of the tongue lightly touching or resting just behind the front teeth. This helps promote proper facial and jaw development.
While some sources may suggest that the back teeth should lightly touch during mewing, it is not a strict requirement. The primary focus should be on correct tongue posture and maintaining a natural, relaxed position of the jaw. It’s important to note that everyone’s oral anatomy and needs are unique, so it’s recommended to consult with a certified Myofunctional Therapist for personalized guidance on mewing and proper oral posture.
A myofunctional therapist is a healthcare professional specializing in myofunctional therapy, which focuses on assessing and treating disorders related to the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. They evaluate and address issues such as incorrect tongue posture, swallowing patterns, mouth breathing, and other myofunctional disorders. Through tailored therapy programs and exercises, myofunctional therapists aim to retrain and strengthen the muscles involved in proper oral function, promoting muscle balance, improved oral posture, and addressing issues like snoring, sleep apnea, and facial development. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care and help individuals achieve optimal oral health and overall well-being.
The cost of myofunctional therapy can vary depending on various factors such as geographic location, the experience and expertise of the therapist, the duration and frequency of sessions, and the specific needs of the individual. It’s important to keep in mind that myofunctional therapy is typically considered a specialized service and may not be covered by insurance plans.
The cost of individual myofunctional therapy sessions can range from $100 to $300 or more per session, but this can vary significantly. Some therapists may offer package deals or discounted rates for multiple sessions. The overall cost will depend on the recommended duration of therapy, which can vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the progress made.
One exercise that can help with snoring is tongue stretching and strengthening. Here’s a simple exercise you can try:
This exercise helps strengthen the muscles of the tongue, promoting better tongue posture and reducing the likelihood of it obstructing the airway during sleep, which can contribute to snoring. Remember to perform this exercise regularly for optimal results.
While exercises like this can be helpful, it’s important to note that snoring can have various causes, and its treatment may require a comprehensive approach. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a myofunctional therapist, sleep specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, is recommended to evaluate the underlying causes of snoring and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
A lip tie, also known as a labial frenulum tie, occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum or the lower lip to the gum is abnormally tight or thickened. This condition can vary in severity and appearance.
In some cases, a lip tie may appear as a visible band of tissue extending from the inner side of the lip to the gum line. The tie can range in thickness and can be seen as a thin string-like attachment or a thicker, more prominent band of tissue.
Other common signs of a lip tie include:
Limited Lip Mobility: The tight or thickened tissue may restrict the movement and flexibility of the lip, making it difficult to lift the lip fully.
Difficulty with Oral Function: Lip ties can potentially interfere with activities such as breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and proper oral hygiene. Infants may have difficulty latching onto the breast or bottle, leading to feeding challenges.
Dental and Orthodontic Issues: In some cases, a lip tie can contribute to dental problems such as gaps between the front teeth or misalignment of the upper teeth.
It’s important to note that the severity and visibility of a lip tie can vary among individuals. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a lip tie, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a pediatric dentist, pediatrician, or oral surgeon, for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options based on the individual’s specific situation.
One commonly recommended exercise for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues is called the jaw-opening exercise or jaw stretch. Here’s how you can perform it:
This exercise helps stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ, promoting improved jaw mobility and reducing tension. It is important to perform this exercise gently and within your comfort level to avoid exacerbating any discomfort or pain.
However, it’s important to note that TMJ issues can have various causes, and the best exercises or treatment approach may vary depending on the underlying condition and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dentist, oral surgeon, or myofunctional therapist specializing in TMJ disorders, to receive a proper evaluation and personalized recommendations for exercises and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Reducing the appearance of a double chin without surgery can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, exercises, and skincare techniques. Here are some tips that may help:
Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet by consuming nutrient-rich foods and avoiding excess calories. Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-sodium meals, as they can contribute to weight gain and water retention.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to promote overall weight loss and tone the muscles in your neck and jaw. Cardiovascular exercises like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling can help burn calories. Additionally, incorporating exercises that target the muscles in the jaw and neck, such as chin lifts and neck stretches, may help strengthen and tone those areas.
Posture Improvement: Practice good posture by keeping your spine aligned and your head held high. This can help improve the appearance of your chin and neck.
Facial Exercises: Perform facial exercises that specifically target the muscles in the chin and jaw area. For example, you can try chin lifts, where you lift and stretch your chin towards the ceiling while keeping your lips closed.
Skincare: Use products that promote skin elasticity and firmness, such as moisturizers and serums containing ingredients like retinol or hyaluronic acid. These can help improve the overall appearance of the skin in the chin and neck area.
Neck and Jawline Massages: Regularly massage your neck and jawline using upward strokes to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which may help reduce fluid retention and improve the appearance of the chin.
Remember that results may vary, and it’s important to have realistic expectations. It may take time and consistency to see noticeable improvements. If you have concerns about your double chin or want personalized guidance, consider consulting with a dermatologist or a healthcare professional who can provide further advice and recommendations based on your specific situation.
Stopping tongue thrust, also known as improper swallowing or tongue thrusting swallow, can be addressed through various approaches, including myofunctional therapy. Here are some strategies that can help:
Myofunctional Therapy: Working with a myofunctional therapist can be beneficial in addressing tongue thrust. They will assess your specific muscle patterns and provide you with exercises and techniques to retrain the muscles involved in swallowing. These exercises aim to promote proper tongue posture, correct swallowing patterns, and strengthen the muscles for improved oral function.
Tongue Exercises: Practice specific tongue exercises to help retrain the tongue and promote correct swallowing. Examples include tongue-to-palate exercises, where you place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and push against it gently. Your myofunctional therapist can guide you through the appropriate exercises based on your needs.
Oral Posture Awareness: Maintain proper oral posture by keeping your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth, just behind the front teeth, even when not performing exercises. This helps in retraining the tongue and promoting proper muscle balance.
Chewing Techniques: Pay attention to your chewing technique. Chew with your mouth closed and make sure your tongue remains on the roof of your mouth during the process. This helps reinforce proper tongue posture and can aid in breaking the habit of tongue thrusting.
Dental Appliances: In some cases, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend the use of dental appliances, such as tongue cribs or orthodontic appliances, to help address tongue thrust by promoting proper tongue posture and swallowing patterns.
Remember, consistent practice and dedication are essential for successful results. Working with a myofunctional therapist can provide guidance, personalized exercises, and support throughout the process. They can assess your specific needs and create a tailored treatment plan to address tongue thrust effectively.