How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help Prevent Orthodontic Relapse
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help Prevent Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in time, money, and effort. The goal is to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. However, even after successful orthodontic treatment, there is always a risk of relapse—where the teeth begin to shift back to their original positions. One of the key factors that can contribute to this relapse is improper tongue function. This is where myofunctional therapy can play a crucial role in maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment.
Understanding Orthodontic Relapse
Orthodontic relapse occurs when the teeth move back towards their original positions after braces or other orthodontic treatments have been removed. This can happen for several reasons:
- Insufficient Retention: If retainers are not worn as prescribed, the teeth can shift back.
- Growth Changes: As the body continues to grow, especially in younger patients, natural changes in the jaw and facial structure can cause teeth to move.
- Muscle Memory: The muscles in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, and cheeks, can exert pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift.
While retainers can help prevent relapse, they don’t address the underlying muscular issues that might be contributing to the problem, particularly tongue function. This is where myofunctional therapy comes into play.
The Role of the Tongue in Orthodontic Relapse
The tongue is a powerful muscle, and its resting position and movement patterns can have a significant impact on the position of the teeth (as much as 10x the force). If the tongue habitually pushes against the teeth—a condition known as tongue thrust—it can cause the teeth to move out of alignment over time, even after orthodontic treatment.
A tongue that rests improperly, such as low in the mouth or against the teeth, can also prevent the teeth from staying in their correct positions. This can lead to issues like an open bite, where the teeth don’t come together properly, or a recurrence of crowding.
How Myofunctional Therapy Can Help
Myofunctional therapy involves exercises and techniques designed to retrain the muscles of the mouth, including the tongue, to function correctly. Here’s how it can help prevent orthodontic relapse:
1. Correcting Tongue Thrust:
One of the primary goals of myofunctional therapy is to correct tongue thrust. Through a series of targeted exercises, patients learn to position their tongue properly during swallowing, speaking, and at rest. This helps to reduce the pressure on the teeth that can lead to movement.
2. Establishing Proper Oral Posture:
Myofunctional therapy also focuses on establishing the correct resting posture of the tongue, lips, and jaw. A properly positioned tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth, which helps to support the arch of the teeth and prevent them from shifting.
3. Strengthening the Oral Muscles:
The exercises in myofunctional therapy work to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Stronger, well-coordinated muscles are less likely to exert unwanted pressure on the teeth, helping to maintain the alignment achieved through orthodontics.
4. Improving Breathing Patterns:
Myofunctional therapy often addresses breathing patterns, encouraging nasal breathing over mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can exacerbate orthodontic relapse by altering the pressure dynamics within the oral cavity. By promoting nasal breathing, myofunctional therapy helps to create a more stable environment for the teeth.
5. Supporting Long-Term Stability:
By addressing the underlying muscle function, myofunctional therapy provides a long-term solution that complements the structural changes made by orthodontic treatment. It helps to ensure that the teeth remain in their desired positions, reducing the risk of relapse and the need for further orthodontic interventions.
Integrating Myofunctional Therapy with Orthodontic Care
For the best results, myofunctional therapy should be integrated with orthodontic care, ideally starting before or during orthodontic treatment. However, it’s never too late to start—myofunctional therapy can be beneficial even after braces have been removed, as it helps to reinforce the changes made by your orthodontist.
If you or your child have completed orthodontic treatment or are currently undergoing it, consider consulting with a Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in myofunctional therapy. This collaborative approach can help you achieve not only a beautiful smile but one that lasts a lifetime.
Conclusion
Orthodontic relapse is a common concern, but it doesn’t have to be an inevitable one. By addressing the root causes of tooth movement, such as improper tongue function, myofunctional therapy offers a powerful tool to help ensure that your orthodontic results are long-lasting. If you’re concerned about the stability of your orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy might be the key to maintaining your perfect smile.
If you’re interested in learning more about how myofunctional therapy can help you or your child, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to guide you on your journey to lasting oral health.
