Myofunctional Therapy (MFT).

Here at Quin Dental, we believe that along side early intervention with expansion with appliances, it is essential to complete a course of MFT sessions. The ideal development and stability of the jaw, mouth and teeth is dependent on correct oral posture and it has recently become more recognised by Dentists, Orthodontists and the Health system as a worthy course of treatment as we look at the whole-body approach, not just the alignment ofteeth.

We help to educate patients on how to attain and maintain the perfect oral posture, including correct breathing and tongue positioning. We can help you achieve excellent results in your treatment, including the long-term stability of the teeth, a beautifully balanced face and improved overall health.

We can provide a range of courses that are age appropriate.  We will give you certain exercises each week to complete as success is ultimately dependant on daily exercises until the patient has subconsciously corrected their improper muscle patterns/habits. This takes commitment from the patient and strong parental/guardian support is highly recommended.

Our MFT course isn’t just an independent treatment, it’s often an adjunctive treatment which complements our orthodontic treatment that we provide here at Quin Dental, courses will generally take place after a patient has had expansion (where an appliance has created sufficient room for the tongue to be placed in the roof of the mouth) or before/during treatment with braces or Invisalign.

Myofunctional Therapy can help reverse years of poor oral habits, help to relieve sleep apnea, and improve the function of chewing, swallowing and speaking.

-Assess your own facial resting posture and swallow!!!-

During a normal dental rest position, the tongue is positioned up in the palate (roof of mouth), not between or against the teeth. The lips are gently closed and the breathing is through the nose. There is often a small open space around 2-3mm between the upper and lower back teeth known as a freeway space. This position promotes a healthy environment for growth and development of the facial muscles and bones.

During a normal swallow, the tongue pushes against the roof of the mouth with the tip of the tongue gently behind the upper front teeth – not between or touching the teeth. The back teeth are generally closed gently and lips should be together. The sides of the tongue are contained within the teeth if room allows for this.

During an abnormal swallowing pattern, the tongue pushes forwards and/or sideways against or between the teeth, this is known as a ‘Tongue Thrust’.

This little learning session can often point out areas for us even as adults to work on! As often in everyday life we have never thought about how we swallow or breath, as long as we are surviving we are doing okay! In this day and age, breathing techniques are becoming more interesting and popular to explore as the health benefits can be astounding.