At Miami Designer Smiles, we understand that your child’s oral health is paramount to their overall well-being. That’s why we offer a full range of pediatric dentistry services, including an innovative approach called myofunctional therapy, which is uniquely capable of correcting children’s bite alignment.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a non-surgical intervention utilized by Miami Designer Smiles to address Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). These conditions can interfere with the normal muscle movement patterns of the mouth and face. Among others, these disturbances can affect important functions such as breathing, eating, speech articulation, and even your child’s bite alignment – an often overlooked, but crucial aspect of a child’s oral health.
The Link Between OMDs and Bite Alignment
Bite alignment, also known as occlusion, is the way your child’s teeth fit together. Misalignment, or malocclusion, can emerge from a young age due to a number of factors such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, resting with lips apart, a forward resting posture, and insufficient jaw room. These behaviors and conditions constitute OMDs and can produce atypical muscle patterns, which in turn can lead to bite misalignment.
Effects of Bite Misalignment
Untreated bite misalignment in children can lead to a variety of dental and health issues that persist into adulthood. Here are some complications that may arise from undiagnosed or untreated bite misalignment:
- Speech issues
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Oral hygiene challenges leading to tooth decay and gum disease
- Inefficient breathing
- Disturbances in facial and skeletal growth
- Poor aesthetic facial development
Misalignment can affect your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, making early intervention essential. That’s where myofunctional therapy at Miami Designer Smiles comes in.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
Myofunctional therapy is a program of specialized exercises that target the face, tongue, and lips. The goal is to correct the harmful oral habits that lead to OMDs and improve muscle functionality.
Components of Myofunctional Therapy
Here’s what to expect from a myofunctional therapy treatment plan at Miami Designer Smiles:
- Addressing improper tongue position
- Improving facial muscle use and strength
- Eliminating harmful oral habits such as thumb sucking
- Promoting nasal breathing over mouth breathing
- Guiding the growth and development of facial muscles and bones
Our experienced practitioners, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, customize the therapy plan to meet each child’s unique requirements.
The Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Bite Alignment
The use of myofunctional therapy is transformative for children coping with bite alignment issues. The benefits extend far beyond an improved smile.
Improved Facial and Oral Functions
With the correction of OMDs, children often find increased ease in swallowing and breathing. In particular, the shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing decreases risks related to sleep apnea and snoring.
Enhanced Speech
Correct bite alignment can improve speech articulation and reduce speech impediments. Thus, children may gain confidence in their communication skills.
Positive Impact on Overall Development
Correct bite alignment can lead to efficient chewing and digestion, aiding overall physical development. Additionally, the aesthetic improvements from enhanced facial development can boost self-esteem and confidence.
Final Words
At Miami Designer Smiles, our commitment to comprehensive oral health includes innovative solutions such as myofunctional therapy. This approach can help correct your child’s bite alignment, preventing future oral and overall health complications.
Invest in your child’s future by seeking early intervention for bite misalignment. Miami Designer Smiles is here to guide you in this journey, ensuring the beautiful and healthy smile your child deserves.