Keys to Success in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Using the Principles of Neuroplasticity
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on correcting improper oral muscle movements and postures to improve overall oral and facial function.
At the core of this therapy is the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections throughout life. Through consistent and repetitive practice, the brain can learn new habits and behaviors, including improved oral motor control, mouth posture, swallow patterns, and breathing patterns.
In this article, we will explore the principles of neuroplasticity in orofacial myofunctional therapy and how they can be applied to achieve optimal results. We will also discuss the keys to success in orofacial myofunctional therapy and the importance of consistent practice and attention to targeted muscles and movements.
UNDERSTANDING THE PRINCIPLES OF NEUROPLASTICITY
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life. This means that with consistent and repetitive practice, the brain can learn new habits and behaviors, including improved oral motor control, mouth posture, swallow patterns, and breathing patterns.
Neuroplasticity can be compared to walking on snow. Just as a well-formed snow path is created when we repeatedly walk on the same route, motor pathways in the brain can develop or strengthen when a motor action is performed repeatedly over time. This is because the brain has the ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to new experiences, which is the basis of neuroplasticity. However, if we stop walking down the old snow path, overtime, the falling snow will cover its tracks and the path will become less prominent or eliminated in the same manner we can weaken or lose motor connections we do not repeat overtime. These undefined snow pathways can also be compared to newly forming motor pathways. Over time and with consistency, these pathways can become more defined and ingrained, similar to a well-established snow path.
The strengthening or weakening of neural connections based on how frequently we use them is known as the “use it or lose it” principle in neuroplasticity and can have positive or negative effects depending on the motor patterns we engage in. Here are two examples, one beneficial and one harmful for orofacial development:
Beneficial example: Consistent use of proper tongue posture and swallowing patterns can strengthen the neural connections responsible for these movements, resulting in improved orofacial development and function over time.
Harmful example: Extended use of pacifiers or thumb sucking can reinforce incorrect tongue posture and swallowing patterns, weakening the neural connections necessary for appropriate orofacial development and function, while strengthening parafunctional habits that may become harder to correct over time. Over time, this can lead to poor orofacial and airway development and lead to issues such as dental malocclusion, tongue thrusting, speech problems, and sleep-disordered breathing.
GOAL: IN OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY, THE GOAL IS TO REDUCE AND ELIMINATE PREVIOUS, INCORRECT ORAL MOTOR PATTERNS AND FOSTER NEW, ADVANTAGEOUS ONES THAT IMPROVE THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF FACIAL STRUCTURE, AIRWAY, AND FUNCTION.
Here are some keys to success in orofacial myofunctional therapy in relation to the principles of neuroplasticity:
Consistency: It is essential to perform the exercises regularly to create and strengthen the new neural connections required to form new motor pathways. Consistency is critical because neuroplasticity relies on frequent and consistent use of the targeted muscles and neural pathways to make long-lasting changes.
Repetition: Repetition of exercises is necessary to create and reinforce the neural connections that support proper orofacial functioning.
Attention: Focusing on the targeted muscle movements and sensations while performing exercises helps to strengthen the neural pathways responsible for proper orofacial function.
Patience: Neuroplastic changes take time and are not always immediately noticeable. It's important to maintain consistency and repetition over time to see lasting improvements in oral motor control, mouth posture, swallow patterns, and breathing patterns.
Feedback: Regular feedback and guidance from a qualified orofacial myofunctional therapist to help refine and adjust exercises to achieve optimal results.
The consistent and attentive performance of exercises is key to achieving success in orofacial myofunctional therapy. Over time, these exercises can help to create and reinforce new neural connections that support proper orofacial functioning. While perfection is not necessary, consistent practice and attention to the targeted muscles and movements are essential for meaningful changes to occur.
In conclusion, neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in orofacial myofunctional therapy by providing the potential for the brain to reorganize and form new neural connections. By consistently engaging in targeted exercises, individuals can strengthen or create new motor pathways that improve oral motor control, mouth posture, swallow patterns, and breathing patterns. The principles of consistency, repetition, attention, patience, and feedback are essential for success in orofacial myofunctional therapy. With the help of a qualified orofacial myofunctional therapist, individuals can develop and reinforce new neural connections that support proper orofacial functioning, leading to improved quality of life and overall health. Understanding and utilizing the power of neuroplasticity can greatly enhance the effectiveness of orofacial myofunctional therapy and help individuals achieve long-lasting results.
