Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

  • At Rix Orthodontics we feel that it is important to correct any orofacial myofunctional disorders present as part of orthodontic treatment.
  • This should allow orthodontic treatment processes to be more fully expressed, as the muscle imbalances that contributed to the poor development of the jaws and teeth are being corrected. 
  • This should also result in the orthodontic treatment being more stable (ref).
  • The orofacial myofunctional disorders to be corrected are:
    • Low tongue rest posture
    • Abnormal swallowing
    • Lack of a lip seal
    • Abnormal chewing
    • Poor oral habits (such as thumb sucking)
  • At Rix Orthodontics we correct orofacial myofunctional disorders with exercises which are often assisted by the wearing of a removable functional appliance (Myobrace).