Dental Conditions
Mouth-breathing as well as poor tongue and oral function can have an adverse effect on teeth and has the potential to impact on facial growth. As far back as 1907 a renowned orthodontist, Edward H. Angle’s textbook “Malocclusion of the Teeth”, detailed the effects of oral habits on occlusion. Angle stated that in his view, every malocclusion has a myofunctional cause.
Malocclusion
Poor oral habits such as mouth-breathing, prolonged use of a dummy, thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting can have a negative effect on the development of the teeth. Improper tongue placement when swallowing can contribute to malocclusion, for example, in front teeth being pushed forward. If you are considering orthodontic work or a pre-orthodontic appliance, correcting any Myofunctional issues will support your treatment. It will also help to reduce the possibility of relapse.
Aims of Myofunctional Therapy
The aim of Myofunctional therapy is to eliminate any poor oral habits and create good tongue posture. Myofunctional therapy goals are having the tongue sitting on the roof of the mouth, and there is good nasal breathing with the lips together. When working in conjunction with a dentist or orthodontist who is looking at function this then enables space for the teeth, and good facial growth.