Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are the unseen culprits behind many common yet overlooked health concerns. From the struggle of misaligned teeth to the challenge of restless nights, OMDs lurk in the background, affecting health and happiness and overall quality of life.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are conditions that involve abnormal lip, jaw, or tongue positions during rest, swallowing, or speech. They can also relate to breathing patterns, such as mouth breathing, which can disrupt normal facial growth, dental development, and function.
Understanding OMDs, recognizing their symptoms, and seeking proper treatment are crucial steps toward improving overall health and well-being.
Symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
OMDs can manifest through a variety of symptoms, which may vary depending on the individual and the specific disorder type.
Common signs of OMD include:
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Habitual mouth breathing
- Speech difficulties, such as lisps
- Abnormal tongue posture, often seen as tongue thrust
- Malocclusions or misaligned teeth
- Snoring or sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea
Benefits of Treatment for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders & Challenges:
Addressing OMDs through professional treatment can lead to numerous benefits, significantly impacting one's quality of life.
Some benefits of OMD treatment include:
Improved Breathing: Treatment can help transition from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, enhancing oxygen exchange and overall health.
Better Sleep Quality: Correcting abnormal breathing patterns can alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring, leading to more restful sleep.
Enhanced Speech Clarity: Therapy can correct tongue positioning and strength, improving speech articulation and reducing lisps or other speech issues.
Dental Health: Addressing OMDs early can prevent or correct malocclusions, reducing the need for orthodontic treatment later.
Facial Development: Proper orofacial function supports natural facial growth and aesthetics, potentially reducing the need for cosmetic corrections.
Seek Expert Support and Treatment for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders require specialized knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat effectively. Experts in OMT are trained to identify the root causes of OMDs and develop personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
Understanding and addressing Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders is crucial for improving one's health and well-being. Recognizing the symptoms, acknowledging the benefits of treatment, and seeking expert support are key steps in this process.
Northport Wellness Center Alliance Member, Paula Petrone is a certified Orofacial Myologist. She provides expertise and personalized care for individuals suffering from OMDs, helping them to achieve significant improvements in their orofacial function, overall health and quality of life.
Paula Petrone is a certified Orofacial Myologist with an extensive background in dental care. She is the owner of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) of New York, a myofunctional therapy practice. Paula’s career began at her home country of Colombia where she proudly graduated from Colegio Odontologico Colombiano with a DDS in 1994. Paula's work with OMT of New York provides lasting results for many individuals of all ages and exemplifies her compassion and skills in her field.
Paula's passion and dedication to oral care expanded even more when she discovered myofunctional therapy and the benefits it can have on respiratory health. She began her studies in myofunctional therapy and eventually went on to receive certification from the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and the International Association of Orofacial Myology.
Paula has had articles published in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene and Decisions in Dentistry. She has also presented nationally and internationally to dental professionals and leaders in the dental field. Today, her work with OMT of New York provides lasting results for many and exemplifies her compassion and intelligence in her field.
Treat Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders! Contact Paula Petrone at (516) 260-8160.
