Myofunctional Therapy In Fayetteville, AR

Oral health goes beyond just your teeth! We believe that proper tongue posture, nasal breathing, lip sealing, and correct swallowing are all crucial for your whole body health.

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6 Signs You Might Need Myofunctional Therapy

If any of these sound familiar, they could be signs of oral facial disorders.
The good news? Myofunctional Therapy can help!
BB MyofunctionalTherapy Airway - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Airway Concerns

BB MyofunctionalTherapy MouthBreathing - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Mouth Breathing

BB MyofunctionalTherapy OpenBite - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Open Bite

BB MyofunctionalTherapy SuckingHabits - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Thumb Sucking

BB MyofunctionalTherapy NarrowPalate - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Narrow Palate

BB MyofunctionalTherapy TongueTie - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Tongue Thrust

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy in Fayetteville, AR

Simply put, myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles of the mouth, particularly the tongue. These exercises are designed to help you talk, eat, and breathe better, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable!

At Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry, we are committed to your health and wellness journey. Schedule a consultation today to find out if myofunctional therapy can help you or your child.

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What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

The 4 Goals of Myofunctional Therapy
BB MyofunctionalTherapy 1 NoseBreathing - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Nasal Breathing

Breathing through the nose warms, humidifies, and filters the air. People that mouth breathe have difficulty sleeping and receive less oxygen.

BB MyofunctionalTherapy 2 SealedLips - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Sealed Lips

Sealed lips encourage nasal breathing, appropriate tongue posture, and proper craniofacial growth in children.

BB MyofunctionalTherapy 3 TonguePosture - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Tongue Posture

Your tongue should be positioned at the roof of your mouth when resting. If your tongue is not positioned correctly, it can inhibit proper breathing, chewing, and swallowing.

BB MyofunctionalTherapy 4 CorrectSwallowing - Myofunctional Therapy | Beavers & Broomsfield in Fayetteville, AR

Correct Swallowing

Dysfunctional swallowing can lead to a tongue thrust, which can cause speech issues, dental problems, and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Myofunctional Therapy

How long does myofunctional therapy take?

The duration of Myofunctional Therapy varies depending on the individual’s condition and goals. Typically, a therapy program can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. Consistency and dedication to the prescribed exercises play a crucial role in the success of the therapy.

Who is a good candidate for myofunctional therapy?

Individuals of all ages can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy. It is particularly helpful for those experiencing issues such as sleep apnea, chronic snoring, tongue thrust, and other oral facial disorders. Children with habits such as thumb-sucking or who have difficulty with certain food textures may also see significant improvements.

Does insurance cover myofunctional therapy?

This largely depends on your healthcare coverage. We provide flexible and affordable payment options, and we recommend setting up a consultation to discuss financing your treatment!

Can I use exercises I learn during myofunctional therapy on multiple members of my family?

Yes, the exercises learned during myofunctional therapy can often be used by multiple members of your family, provided they have similar orofacial muscle dysfunctions. Since myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening and coordinated control of the tongue and facial muscles, the basic exercises can be broadly applicable.

However, keep in mind that each individual’s needs might vary. It is advisable for each family member to undergo a thorough evaluation by a qualified myofunctional therapist to ensure the exercises are appropriate for their specific conditions and goals. Tailoring the exercises to individual requirements can maximize the benefits and effectiveness of the therapy.

What are the most common symptoms to look out for?

Do you or your child experience any of these symptoms?

  • Snoring
  • Mouth breathing
  • Tossing and turning during sleep
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Thrusting the tongue forward to swallow
  • Thumb sucking
  • Trouble sitting still
  • Gasping for air while eating
  • Teeth grinding
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Tongue tie
  • High gag reflex
  • Difficulty with food textures or being a picky eater
  • Crooked teeth

If any of these sound familiar, they could be signs of oral facial disorders. The good news? Myofunctional Therapy can help!

What does a myofunctional therapist do?

Your myofunctional therapist will design a personalized program just for you, aimed at retraining your orofacial muscles and boosting their function. Some goals of your training could include achieving a natural resting posture for your tongue and lips, mastering nasal breathing, or kicking harmful habits like thumb-sucking to the curb.

Is myofunctional therapy painful?

Myofunctional Therapy is generally non-invasive and should not be painful. The exercises prescribed are designed to be performed comfortably, and your therapist will work with you to ensure you are able to complete them without discomfort.

Can myofunctional therapy help with specific issues like sleep apnea or TMJ disorders?

Yes, myofunctional therapy can be beneficial for specific issues like sleep apnea or TMJ disorders. By addressing the underlying muscular dysfunctions of the orofacial area, myofunctional therapy helps to improve the coordination and strength of the tongue and facial muscles.

For sleep apnea, this can mean better airway function and reduced blockages during sleep, potentially reducing the severity of the condition.

In the case of TMJ disorders, myofunctional therapy can alleviate symptoms by promoting proper jaw alignment and function, reducing strain on the temporomandibular joint. While individual results may vary, many patients experience significant improvements in these and other related conditions through consistent therapy.

Meet Your Myofunctional Therapist

Megan Hatfield, OMFT
Lindsay Gullett, OMFT

At Beavers & Broomfield Family Dentistry, you will be in good hands with Megan and Lindsay. Both have been Registered Dental Hygienists at the practice since day one, bringing years of experience and expertise to their myofunctional therapy sessions.

Their dedication to patient care ensures that you will receive personalized treatment tailored to your specific needs, fostering a supportive environment for your therapeutic journey.

Meet Our Team