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Myofunctional Therapy is
Another Option
Myofunctional Therapy is another method
used for eliminating a tongue thrust. It is an
exercise-based treatment that teaches
patients how to use their tongue and facial
muscles normally.
Amy Rasar RDH
Katie Gaston RDH
Myofunctional Therapists
A Myofunctional Therapist (MFT) can be an
instrumental figure in helping a patient learn
to re-train the facial muscles and eliminate a
tongue thrusting habit. MFTs are skilled at
helping children and adults gain control over
muscular habits, including those involved in
a tongue thrust.
Amy
Rasar
and
Katie
Myofunctional Therapists in
and Skagit area who help
tongue
thrusting
habits
myofunctional concerns every
For children and adults who struggle with
tongue thrusting, stopping the habit is not
always easy. This is because all of the
muscles of the face and mouth have been
programmed over the course of many years.
The person’s body does not know how to use
the tongue and facial muscles correctly, and
needs help.
A consultation with a MFT can be very
valuable. If the muscles are not re-trained,
your orthodontic treatment and final result
may be compromised.
Besides affecting your braces, a tongue
thrust can also have a lasting negative
impact on a person’s general health, speech,
dental health, swallowing and breathing
throughout life.
Gaston
are
the Whatcom
patients with
and
other
day.
They have a strong desire to provide quality
care, education, and therapy to all of their
patients, and they want to help people
understand the incredible benefits of the
therapy they provide.
The problems associated with tongue thrust
are easy to solve with knowledgeable and
understanding therapists to guide you along
the way.
Amy and Katie work with your dentist and
orthodontist to help make your time in
braces as easy as possible. They want to help
you achieve lasting results and a beautiful
smile for life.
For more information, email Amy and Katie:
[email protected]
Tongue
Thrust
and
Braces
Does Your Tongue
Effect your
Orthodontic
Treatment?
A Question and
Answer Guide
Braces Move Teeth
The same forces used by braces to mo
Braces work by applying a light, constant
pressure to the teeth and moving them
slowly over a period of time. The pressure
on each tooth
causes the tissues
surrounding the
tooth to stretch
and become
temporarily
mobile. Eventually, the bone fills in around
each of the teeth, solidifying them into
their new positions.
Muscles Move Teeth Too!
The muscles of our mouth and face are
nature’s living orthodontic equalizers. They
can have a great influence on the
movement and position of our teeth.
Teeth are ever-changing, so they can be
altered and moved by muscular influence
from the jaws, lips, tongue, and cheeks.
Tongue Thrust
A tongue thrust occurs when the muscles
for swallowing have learned to work
together the wrong way. The tongue can
be very strong. When it constantly rests
against the teeth and pushes forward
during a swallow, it can cause the teeth to
move.
If you have braces, a tongue thrust can be
a problem because:
1. It can slow down your orthodontic
treatment, keeping your braces on for
a longer time.
2. It can make your teeth move again,
after your braces are taken off.
3. It can make moving your teeth and
closing spaces much more difficult for
your orthodontist.
When the muscles of your mouth and face
are not in balance, solving orthodontic
problems is much more challenging.
Do I Have a Tongue Thrust?
The same
forces used by
braces can also
be used by the
tongue to move
teeth.
Ideally, a balance of forces exists between
the lips and cheeks on the outside of the
teeth, and the tongue on the inside of the
teeth.
Any imbalances affect the growth,
comfort, and position of the teeth and jaw.
The most significant type of muscular
imbalance to affect the oral and facial
structures is called a “tongue thrust.”
There are many characteristics to look for
in order to determine if you, or your child,
have a tongue thrust. Below are 3 of the
most common signs to recognize:
Mouth breathing
is the most
common sign.
The mouth is
open at rest, and
the tongue is
often forward or
sticking out.
Speech Concerns, especially lisping, can
be a sign of a tongue thrust. If there is
difficulty pronouncing “T, D, N, and L”
sounds, this is another indicator. General
problems with articulation, rate of
speech, and voice quality and clarity may
also be present.
Sucking habits, past or present, can cause
a tongue thrust to develop. The formation
of the mouth and
position of the tongue
are changed by the
thumb or finger during
a sucking habit. Even if
the child quits the
habit, the damage
caused to the function
of the tongue, facial
musculature, and other
structures often still
remains.
What Can Be Done to Fix a
Tongue Thrust?
Orthodontists have struggled over the years,
fighting the strength of the tongue while
trying to provide the best orthodontic
treatment. Many appliances have been
invented to “tame” the tongue, and an
appliance is one option available to help you
with tongue thrust.
To the right, are 2
commonly used
appliances to help
with tongue thrust.
For many patients,
these appliances can
be uncomfortable or
potentially painful,
and this option is
chosen as a last
resort. Appliances
like these may be
worn up to year
before braces are put
on. It is important to
know your options
when it comes to correcting a tongue
thrust. Sometimes an appliance can work in
combination with other methods of
treatment.