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Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on building proper oral resting posture. A healthy rest posture means keeping your tongue on your palate and lips closed. This will keep your airway clear for nasal breathing. Breathing through your nose will help you get a proper balance of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide in your bloodstream for efficient oxygen usage in your body, as well as protect your teeth and gums from the dry air that can lead to bacteria overgrowth.
Dr. Cruz offers oral myofascial therapy in Dana Point for patients of all ages. He will work with you to help develop the muscles in your face and tongue needed for a healthy resting posture. He will also help you develop proper chewing and swallowing techniques. This can help people struggling with heartburn and indigestion, as well as improve your oral hygiene. It can also treat breathing issues that affect your sleep each night.
One of the most common problems associated with poor oral posture is tongue thrust. When your tongue rests on your teeth, the steady force will change your jaw’s shape over time, leading to crowded teeth and misalignment in your jaw. Dr. Cruz will help you develop the muscles needed to keep your tongue and jaw positioned correctly.
Traditional orthodontics aims to correct these problems without treating the cause, which can lead to a relapse after the braces or other intervention methods are removed. However, if you improve your resting posture, you can ensure that your mouth will retain proper alignment after your orthodontic treatment is finished. In some cases, you may avoid the need for braces or other oral appliances, especially with younger patients.
Call: (949) 661-1006 OR Request An Appointment Today
Dr. Cruz can craft a treatment plan to correct bad habits before they can affect your health. These treatments can also save you money and prevent serious oral health issues that require costly and time-consuming procedures. Contact us today at (949) 661-1006 for oral myofunctional therapy in Dana Point, and other airway focused dental treatments that can improve your smile and treat issues like snoring or sleep apnea for a more restful night of sleep.
Mark A Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started a dental practice in Monarch Beach, CA upon graduation. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is a member of various dental organizations. He was a part-time lecturer at UCLA and a member of the faculty group practice and was past assistant director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry. He has served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant review Committee in Washington D.C. as well as on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (Elsevier) and is currently serving on the DSMB (data safety management board) for the NPBRN (national practice-based research network.
