Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Dental Work
While orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is primarily focused on prevention and early intervention to mitigate the need for dental work, there are occasions when a child's orofacial structures, including the jaw and upper palate, have undergone significant alterations due to prolonged improper orofacial habits.
While orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is primarily focused on prevention and early intervention to mitigate the need for dental work, there are occasions when a child's orofacial structures, including the jaw and upper palate, have undergone significant alterations due to prolonged improper orofacial habits. In these cases, orthodontic interventions become essential for the reconstruction and realignment of these structures to ensure proper function and overall oral health. This is particularly crucial for younger children with rapidly growing cranial structures that are more flexible and responsive to orthodontic work.
Improper orofacial habits, such as persistent thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or open-mouth posture, can exert sustained pressure on the developing jaw and palate. Over time, these habits can lead to malocclusions (misaligned teeth), changes in the shape of the upper palate, and other structural issues within the oral cavity. These issues may negatively impact a child's ability to bite, chew, speak, and even breathe optimally.
Dental work in such cases may involve various approaches, including orthodontic treatment to correct misalignments and dental appliances to facilitate proper jaw development. Orthodontic options could include braces or aligners to reposition teeth, while dental appliances like palatal expanders may be used to widen the upper palate. These interventions not only enhance the aesthetics of the smile but also aim to restore functional harmony within the oral and facial structures.
It is crucial to recognize that orofacial myofunctional therapy can play a complementary role in these situations. By addressing the root causes of improper habits and promoting proper tongue and lip function, myofunctional therapy can support and enhance the outcomes of dental work. The combined efforts of myofunctional therapy and dental treatments can contribute to comprehensive rehabilitation, helping children achieve better oral health and function. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach involving orofacial myofunctional therapists and dental professionals are key to effectively managing and resolving these complex cases.
SIGNS A CHILD MAY NEED ORTHODONTIC WORK
Several signs may indicate that a child may need orthodontic work or treatment in conjunction with orofacial myofunctional therapy to address dental and facial alignment issues. It's essential for parents and caregivers to recognize these signs and consult with an orthodontist for a professional evaluation and treatment recommendations. Here are common signs that may suggest a child needs orthodontic work:
Misaligned teeth & tooth crowding: Misaligned teeth or tooth crowding often suggests that the upper and/or lower jaw has not developed adequately in a forward direction, resulting in insufficient space for permanent teeth to emerge correctly.
High narrow palate: A high and narrow palate indicates a compressed upper palate, which can diminish the size of the nasal cavity, leading to potential difficulties in nasal breathing. This condition also affects the tongue's ability to rest comfortably on the roof of the mouth. Both nasal breathing and the tongue resting on the roof of the mouth are pivotal factors for achieving successful outcomes in orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Overbite: Overbites, characterized by a significant vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth, indicate that the lower jaw has not developed forward sufficiently. This condition often results in what's known as a "convex profile" or a class II malocclusion. Depending on its severity, an overbite can lead to reduced space within the mouth for the tongue to rest comfortably, potentially making it more challenging for the lower lip to comfortably meet the upper lip and maintain a closed mouth posture.
Underbite: An underbite is characterized by the lower front teeth protruding beyond the upper front teeth. This condition results in what is commonly referred to as a "concave profile" and is typically associated with a class III malocclusion. Underbites often develop when the upper palate doesn't adequately grow forward, a condition known as midface hypoplasia. Consequently, this can pose challenges related to tongue positioning on the roof of the mouth and maintaining comfortable lip closure, primarily due to the misalignment of the upper palate and lower jaw.
Crossbite - A crossbite is characterized by misalignment of teeth where the upper teeth sit inside or behind the lower teeth instead of sitting on the outside the way they are suppose to. This condition can involve a single tooth or groups of teeth, affecting the front teeth, back teeth, or both. Essentially, it is a bite problem where the upper and lower teeth do not come together in the proper position, leading to an improper bite. The severity of a crossbite can vary, and in more pronounced cases, it can lead to challenges with tongue posture and function, chewing food comfortably, and closing the mouth effectively.
Open bite - An open occurs when there is a gap or space between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are brought together in a normal bite position. This gap can extend from one side of the mouth to the other. Open bites can occur in the front teeth (anterior open bite) or in the back teeth (posterior open bite). Open bites are typically caused by thumb-sucking habits in childhood, tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, skeletal growth issues, or a combination of these factors. The severity of an open bite can vary, and in more severe instances, it can result in difficulties with chewing food comfortably and achieving proper mouth closure.
Note: Any misalignment between the upper palate and lower jaw can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. The TMJ connects and facilitates jaw movement. Misalignment can cause TMJ-related problems like jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and difficulty in opening and closing the mouth comfortably. Addressing misalignment early is crucial to prevent TMJ discomfort and pain in the future.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION
The persistence of the orthodontic issues mentioned above, especially if they are severe, can significantly impede the success of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT). When these problems are left unaddressed, they create challenges in achieving the goals of OMT, which include the realignment of oral structures and the establishment of proper functions for the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw. Collaborating with an orthodontist becomes essential in such cases. The objective is to not only correct the alignment of teeth and jaws but also to ensure that the tongue, lips, cheeks, and jaw work harmoniously to support and maintain long-term orofacial health. Failing to address improper oral habits concurrently with orthodontic work can lead to dental relapse, potentially negating the benefits of costly orthodontic treatments. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that combines orthodontic care with orofacial myofunctional therapy is crucial to achieve lasting oral health and function.
CONNECTING WITH STOMA THERAPEUTICS
If you're seeking guidance and support for your child's orofacial health, we invite you to connect with Stoma Therapeutics. You can explore our online resources, learn about our virtual and in-home services, and discover how we can assist you in supporting optimal speech, feeding, and airway development.
