International SYMPOSIUM on OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL Therapy roma 6,7,8 giugno 2014

1. Orofacial myofunctional therapy: A case report.
Joy L. Moeller, BS, RDH & Charles L. Blum, DC
Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Sacro Occipital Technique Organization – USA
Introduction
Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT)1, a neuro-muscular re-education of the oral facial muscles, is a modality that promotes the
stability of the stomatognathic system. An OMT practitioner will generally assess a patient’s tongue position and function, the lip
seal, ability to swallow, intraoral airway space, TMJ function, and facial myofascial activity
Discussion
Research supports a relationship of skeletal form and
muscle function3. When the tongue is resting against the
hard palate (thus maintaining the proper oral volume) it
enhances and/or creates stability for the TMJs. If the
tongue is habitually resting down and forward in the
mandible, as may happen with a lack of patency of airways
and/or lack of adequate mastication, beginning with baby
foods, prolonged use of bottles and pacifiers, presence of
digit sucking4 or a restricted frenum5, normal form and
function may be compromised6.
Conclusion
Pre- and post-therapy assessments suggest that OMT may
have played a significant role in her recovery. An
interdisciplinary team approach is important for treatment of
TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related disorders.
References
1. Hanson ML. Orofacial myofunctional therapy: historical and philosophical considerations. Int J Orofacial Myology. 1988 Mar;14(1):3-10.
2. Moeller JL. Orofacial myofunctional therapy: why now? Cranio. 2012 Oct;30(4):235-6.
3. Levrini A, Favero L. The masters of functional orthodontics. Quintessence. 2003.
4. Romero CC, Scavone-Junior H, Garib DG, Cotrim-Ferreira FA, Ferreira RI. Breastfeeding and non-nutritive sucking patterns related to the prevalence of anterior
open bite in primary dentition. J Appl Oral Sci. 2011; 19:2:161-168.
5. Northcutt M. Overview the lingual frenum. JCO. 2009; 18:557-565.
6. Rogers AP. Exercises for the development of muscles of the face with view to increasing their functional activity. Dental Cosmos. LX 1918; 59:857-876.
Case History
The patient was a 48-year-old female referred by her
chiropractor for OMT. Patient was born with a restricted
lingual frenum which may have led to her low tongue-rest
position and mouth breathing habit. In a craniofacial
evaluation she exhibited an open mouth at rest, was
clenching and grinding, had an overbite, chronic sinus
infections, vertigo for eight months, earaches, and
intermittent tinnitus.
Results
At a one-week follow up visit the patient
reported that her pain was gone. The
patient's OMES score increased a total
of 19 points in a two month period,
indicating that her posture, mobility and
functions of breathing, deglutition
and mastication improved and the
patient reported she was no longer in
pain. Structural support incorporating
chiropractic adjustments, along with
eliminating habits and muscle re-
patterning, led to long term stability.
Intervention/Methods
Treatment consisted of jaw stabilization exercises, habit
elimination and behavior modification, and re-patterning the
oral facial muscles and changing their function for optimal rest
position, chewing and swallowing. the tongue does not drop
into the airway.
Once assessing the patient a
series of specific exercises are
designed which involve active
rehabilitative exercises with
weekly monitoring and
modifications by the OMT.
OMT can be part of an
interdisciplinary team
incorporating chiropractic and
dentistry to help treat symptoms
of temporomandibular joint
disorders (TMD) and obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) or sleep
breathing disorders (SBD)2.