Myofunctional therapy cost and benefits explained by Dana Point dentist

The structures in your mouth do much more than just help you enjoy food – they are critical for healthy breathing, speaking, and sufficiently chewing your food for optimal digestion. Because of this, a weak tongue and facial muscles can contribute to a variety of systemic issues that affect your entire body, such as poor digestion or the development of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Mark A. Cruz, dentist in Dana Point, CA, uses a comprehensive array of airway-focused and functional treatments to address the underlying causes of these issues rather than just treating the symptoms. Among these, myofunctional therapy is a highly effective form of physical therapy designed to strengthen the tongue facial muscles and promote healthier breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speaking habits.

How myofunctional therapy works

Myofunctional therapy is a painless form of treatment that focuses on developing better oral habits and strengthening the muscles involved in breathing, speaking, and eating. In particular, it focuses on helping patients:

• Keep their tongue in a healthier resting position in the mouth to reduce stress and force placed on the dental arch and airway
• Swallow more effectively without placing unnecessary pressure on the teeth
• Breathe properly through their nose rather than mouth breathing
• Position their tongue in their mouth better for clear speech
• Maintain an open airway during sleep to prevent obstructive sleep apnea incidents

Who can benefit from myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is a great option for both adults and children who are suffering from issues such as:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Chronic headaches
• Neck pain
• GERD or heartburn
• TMJ pain

A non-invasive, non-medicinal treatment option

Myofunctional therapy can be a great non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea because it increases strength in the tongue and facial muscles so that they don’t collapse into the airway while sleeping. In addition, patients who have digestive problems or chronic pain issues can find relief without medicine after undergoing myofunctional therapy, making it a healthy and long-term solution for these conditions.

To learn more about myofunctional therapy, call the dental practice of Dr. Mark Cruz in Dana Point, CA today. (949) 661-1006