Orofacial Myology / Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial Myology (also known as Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy) is a form of exercise-based therapy that aims to normalise the function of the muscles of the mouth including those of the tongue, lips, jaw, face and neck.

This therapy is used for patients that have developed what is known as an Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD). This is where a patient has developed altered patterns of muscle recruitment for tasks involving the mouth.

Signs of OMD can be:

• Structural
• Crooked or crowded teeth (malocclusion)
• A narrow palate
• Jaw pain or clicking
• Airways
• Mouth breathing
• Teeth clenching / grinding
• Tongue control
• Abnormal swallowing pattern eg tongue thrust
• Speech difficulties
• Feeding / chewing difficulties
• Persistent drooling – can be various reasons

Causes of OMD can be:

• Birth trauma / cranial restrictions
• Airway issues
• Tongue and lip ties
• Oral habits such as thumb/finger sucking, nail biting
• Prolonged dummy use
• Teeth grinding
• Mouth breathing

Dr Ben Robins uses Orofacial Myology in conjunction with Cranial Osteopathy for the treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders.

Dr Ben is a certified MyoMunchee practitioner, an affordable device (around $100) he recommends for certain patients. More information about this device can be found at www.myomunchee.com, or you can ask Dr Ben about it.

On occasions a referral to another practitioner such as a Speech Pathologist or Dentist may be required.