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Asheville Myofunctional Therapy

How Your Jaw Affects Sleeping, Breathing and Swallowing

Our patient underwent Asheville myofunctional therapy at our office.

What is Myofunctional Therapy

At our office, we offer Asheville myofunctional therapy as a personalized approach to improving your oral and overall health. This therapy focuses on strengthening the mouth and face muscles, which play a vital role in functions like breathing, chewing, and swallowing.

The treatment process begins with a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs. Our Myofunctional Therapist, Anna, will create a customized plan that includes exercises designed to retrain these muscles. These exercises are simple, non-invasive, and can often be done at home, making the therapy convenient and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Why Do I Need It?

Myofunctional therapy is often recommended for dental patients who exhibit Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs), which can negatively impact oral and overall health. These disorders involve improper function of the facial and oral muscles, often leading to issues such as improper swallowing, mouth breathing, or snoring.

Patients with OMDs may experience a range of dental problems, including malocclusion (misaligned teeth), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), and difficulties with speech or chewing. Myofunctional therapy helps to retrain these muscles, promoting correct tongue posture, proper swallowing patterns, and nasal breathing.

How Can It Help?

Myofunctional Therapy is important because it addresses the root causes of several common issues, such as sleep apnea, snoring, and an improper bite. The therapy can help you breathe easier, sleep better, and even enhance your dental alignment by improving muscle function.

Patients often experience significant benefits from myofunctional therapy, including reduced facial pain, improved sleep quality, and optimal oral health. At John Highsmith, DDS, we are committed to providing care that supports your overall well-being. Additionally, we offer various treatments, including cosmetic dentistry in Asheville, which can complement your myofunctional therapy and further enhance your smile. Ask us how Asheville myofunctional therapy can make a positive difference in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myofunctional Therapy involves exercises that target the mouth, face, and throat muscles to improve functions like breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. It aims to correct habits and muscle functions affecting oral health and overall well-being.
People of all ages can benefit from Myofunctional Therapy, especially those with issues like sleep apnea, snoring, TMJ disorders, improper bite, speech difficulties, and some orthodontic issues.
The treatment process begins with an assessment to understand your specific needs. Based on this assessment, a personalized plan is developed, which includes a series of exercises you can do at home. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
The duration to see results varies depending on individual conditions and compliance with the therapy. Some patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others might take a few months. Consistency and regular practice of the exercises are key to achieving the best outcomes.
Coverage for Myofunctional Therapy can vary depending on your insurance plan and the specific issues being treated. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered under your plan. Our office can also assist you with any necessary documentation or inquiries regarding insurance coverage.