What is Oral Myofunctional Therapy?

Oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on correcting abnormal patterns of muscle activity in the mouth, face, and throat. It involves a series of exercises and techniques designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth and face to function properly, which can improve speech, swallowing, breathing, and overall oral health.

OMT is often used to address issues such as tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The therapy may involve exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve coordination, and increase range of motion. It may also involve the use of specialized equipment such as oral appliances and speech therapy tools.

OMT is typically performed by a licensed speech-language pathologist, dentist, or orthodontist who has received specialized training in myofunctional therapy. The therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as orthodontic treatment or surgery, to achieve optimal results.