Orthodontic Support

Did you know that your tongue is supposed to rest on the roof of your mouth? Not floating, not touching any teeth, and not in the bottom? Sealed with a slight suction all the way up. Can you suction your tongue to the roof of your mouth? If not, then you may need some help to succeed in your orthodontic treatment beyond braces or Invisalign.

Can You Pass the Swallow Test?

While sitting up, take a drink of water out of a cup and swallow. Do you feel your tongue push up against your teeth? Is it gulpy?

Try again. This time, put the water in your mouth, smile with your teeth showing, and try to swallow the liquid. What happened?

Did the water come out of your mouth? Did you have to close your lips to keep it from coming out?

Why did my teeth get crooked in the first place?

Here are some of the reasons you or your child may need orthodontic care now or in the future

Thumb sucking/ finger sucking
Mouth breathing (day or night)
Low tongue posture
Lips not being sealed together (day or night)
Tongue-tie
Genetics

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see if myofunctional therapy is right for you or your child.

Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust is an issue that can happen as the teeth adjust through orthodontic care, and may prolong or reverse orthodontic adjustments. Tongue thrust is a condition in which the tongue pushes against the teeth or lips when swallowing or speaking. This can cause a variety of problems, including crooked teeth, gum problems, and speech difficulties.

Myofunctional therapy for tongue thrust typically involves a series of exercises to strengthen the tongue muscles and teach the patient how to swallow correctly. The therapist may also use special appliances to help the patient keep their tongue in the correct position. Sometimes, a tongue tie release is recommended, in combination with myofunctional therapy to achieve ideal functional results.

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the tongue thrust and the patient's cooperation.

Here are some of the benefits of myofunctional therapy for tongue thrust:

Can help improve the alignment of the teeth and jaws
Can reduce the risk of gum problems
Can improve speech clarity (a referral to a speech therapist may be made. We do not offer or teach speech therapy)
Can help to reduce mouth breathing
Can improve the overall health of the orofacial complex

If you or your child has tongue thrust, myofunctional therapy is a key component in maintaining your beautiful, new smile.