Oro-facial what?

Orofacial myofunctional disorders refer to problems with the way the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue are used during activities such as swallowing, speaking, and breathing. These disorders can lead to symptoms such as mouth breathing, snoring, speech difficulties, and jaw pain, to name a few. At Breathe Well Ann Arbor, we offer personalized orofacial myofunctional therapy to help clients overcome these symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.

Tongue and lip ties refer to a restriction in the mobility of the tongue and/or lips caused by a short, tight band of tissue called a frenum. This restriction can impact speech, swallowing, and breathing, leading to symptoms such as snoring, grinding or clenching of the teeth, sleep apnea, and jaw pain. It is important to have a myofunctional therapist conduct an evaluation and provide at least 4-6 weeks of therapy prior to any tongue tie release procedure. Our Myofunctional Therapists specialize in assessing and treating tongue and lip ties and can help clients alleviate these symptoms through orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Do you or your child suffer from chronic oral habits like thumb sucking, finger sucking, prolonged pacifier use, nail biting, lip licking, lip sucking, hair sucking, or others? These habits can have far-reaching consequences on the development of your face, jaw, and airway. Breathe Well offers a solution through personalized orofacial myofunctional therapy and Buteyko breath coaching. Uncover the root cause of your symptoms and experience a healthier, happier life, free from the negative impacts of oral habits.

Crooked teeth, an open bite, and other orthodontic issues are linked to myofunctional disorders. Our skilled Myofunctional Therapists understand the connection between these issues and can work with clients to address the underlying causes through orofacial myofunctional therapy and Buteyko breathing coaching. By addressing these underlying causes, we help clients and their orthodontists achieve a more stable and functional bite.

TMD is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Symptoms of TMD can include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping, and difficulty opening or closing the jaw. At Breathe Well, we carefully help clients navigate this complex condition, through a multidisciplinary team approach. Additionally, orofacial myofunctional therapy and Buteyko breathing help alleviate jaw pain and improve the function of the TMJ.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a broad term that encompasses a range of breathing-related sleep disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Upper Resistance Airway Syndrome(UARS). SDB can cause a wide range of symptoms such as snoring, teeth grinding, excessive daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity in children (ADHD or ADD), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Orofacial myofunctional therapy, along with Buteyko breathing coaching, can help alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying cause of sleep-disordered breathing. At Breathe Well Ann Arbor, we offer both modalities to help you get on the path to a better night's sleep and improved overall health.

Tongue thrust refers to an improper swallowing pattern that causes the tongue to push or protrude beyond the teeth during speech and swallowing. This can lead to orthodontic problems, speech difficulties, and jaw pain. Our Myofunctional Therapists help clients overcome a tongue thrust through orofacial myofunctional therapy, which can improve swallowing and speech patterns and reduce symptoms, like an open bite or lisp.

Do you or a loved one struggle with crooked teeth, open bites, crossbites, tooth loss, recession, or other dental conditions? These problems may be a result of underlying orofacial myofunctional disorders such as clenching/grinding, thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrust, or tongue ties. Not only can these conditions impact your facial and jaw development, but they can also increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. At Breathe Well Ann Arbor, we are here to help you get to the root cause of your dental issues.