Myo & Speech Therapy - Face Focused Orthodontics

A Holistic Approach to Oral Health:
Orthodontic Treatment with Myofunctional and Speech Therapy

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we believe that oral health extends far beyond straight teeth and a perfect smile. The combination of speech therapy, myofunctional therapy, and orthodontic treatment represents a more holistic approach to oral health and function. Rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms or problems, this integrated approach addresses both the structural (orthodontics) and functional (speech and myofunctional therapy) aspects of a patient’s oral and facial development. While we don’t offer speech or myofunctional therapy directly in our office, we work with a trusted network of therapists who can assist our patients in achieving optimal outcomes.

By looking at the patient as a whole, these therapies work together to correct underlying issues that may contribute to speech problems, improper muscle function, and misaligned teeth. For example, orthodontics can fix malocclusions or bite issues, while myofunctional therapy ensures proper muscle coordination, and speech therapy refines articulation and communication skills.

Below, we explore the differences between speech and myofunctional therapy, and how each of these therapies can connect with orthodontic treatment in various cases to provide tailored care for each patient’s unique needs.

Key Differences Between
Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Therapy:

Core Focus:

Myofunctional Therapy: Concentrates on the functional aspects of the orofacial muscles. It deals with the coordination and strength of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles, promoting proper oral posture, swallowing, and breathing patterns.

Speech Therapy: Primarily targets improving communication skills. It focuses on the production of sounds (articulation), language development, fluency, and voice modulation.

Approach and Techniques:

Myofunctional Therapy: Focuses on exercises that retrain the muscles involved in swallowing, breathing, and maintaining proper oral posture. Techniques might include specific exercises to strengthen the tongue, improve lip closure, and retrain breathing patterns (favoring nasal breathing over mouth breathing).

Speech Therapy: Uses techniques like articulation drills, oral-motor exercises, and language games to improve the way sounds are produced and used in communication. Visual aids and interactive methods may also be incorporated to engage the patient.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

The early years of a child’s life are a critical period for jaw development and facial growth. The foundation for the oral and facial structures is largely established during this time, influenced significantly by breastfeeding, among other factors. The process of palatal shaping and facial growth occurs rapidly, with a substantial portion of this development happening within the first few years of life.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the function of the oral and facial muscles, addressing issues such as mouth breathing, chewing, swallowing, and improper tongue posture. This therapy is critical in correcting habits like tongue thrust or mouth breathing, which can lead to poor jaw development or airway problems.

Who Needs It:

Children: Improper oral habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or chronic mouth breathing, are present in a significant percentage of children. Studies estimate that 38-50% of children exhibit tongue thrust behavior, which can cause malocclusion and speech difficulties if left untreated. Myofunctional therapy helps correct these habits, aiding proper jaw and facial development.

Adults: Myofunctional therapy is also beneficial for adults, especially those suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ dysfunction, or improper oral posture. For instance, 26% of adults aged 30-70 suffer from sleep apnea, which can often be mitigated through myofunctional therapy targeting airway function.

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is a specialized treatment designed to address issues with communication, including speech articulation, language development, fluency, and voice disorders. It helps individuals improve how they speak and process language, enabling better communication.

By collaborating with experienced speech therapists, we ensure that patients receive the specialized care they need to correct these issues. Speech therapy, combined with orthodontic treatment, can help improve both the clarity of speech and oral function.

Who Needs It:

Children: Approximately 8-9% of young children in the United States have a speech or language disorder. Around 5% of children entering first grade exhibit speech sound disorders, such as difficulty articulating certain sounds. Young children who have delays in speech development, difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (e.g., lisps), or struggle with language comprehension and expression may need speech therapy. Children with conditions like cleft palate or tongue tie, which affect articulation, are also common candidates.

Adults: Adults who experience speech difficulties due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s or ALS) may benefit from speech therapy to regain or improve communication skills.

A Holistic Approach to Oral Health: Orthodontic Treatment with Myofunctional and Speech Therapy

Key Differences Between Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Therapy:

Core Focus:

Approach and Techniques:

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Who Needs It:

What is Speech Therapy?

Who Needs It:

A Holistic Approach to Oral Health:
Orthodontic Treatment with Myofunctional and Speech Therapy

Key Differences Between
Myofunctional Therapy & Speech Therapy: