Leslie Scott, myofunctional therapist in Chicago IL

Myofunctional Therapy in Chicago IL:

Eat, Sleep, Breathe Better

At Strobel Dentistry in Chicago, we understand that maintaining optimal oral health sometimes requires more than traditional dental care. That's why we offer a specialized service known as myofunctional therapy in Chicago IL.

Myofunctional therapy addresses orofacial dysfunctions, which can affect the muscles and bones in your face and mouth, leading to difficulties with eating, swallowing, and breathing. This condition can affect adults and children, but significant improvements can be made with the right therapy. If you're experiencing any of these challenges, we encourage you to explore the benefits of oral myofunctional therapy in Chicago at Strobel Dentistry. Our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve optimal oral function and enhance your daily life.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional Therapy focuses on assessing and treating improper oral muscle function, which can contribute to sleep apnea, tongue thrusting, and misaligned bites.

Through a series of exercises and techniques, this therapy aims to retrain and strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, swallowing, and chewing. By correcting these muscle imbalances, Myofunctional Therapy helps improve overall oral function and can have positive effects on facial aesthetics and speech patterns.

What are the benefits of Myofunctional Therapy?

Improved Breathing: Myofunctional Therapy can help individuals with breathing difficulties, such as sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing. Strengthening the muscles for proper nasal breathing promotes healthy airflow and reduces the risk of related complications that can lead to obstructive sleep apnea. Improved breathing can also help with asthma, allergies, and even anxiety.

Correcting Tongue Thrusting: Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing, can lead to malocclusion and orthodontic problems. Myofunctional Therapy addresses this issue by retraining the tongue to correct its resting posture, preventing dental misalignment.
Reducing Pain: Myofunctional Therapy reduces chronic pain in the jaw, neck, face, and back by helping individuals relax their over-utilized muscles that cause headaches, soreness, fatigue, and pain, including reducing the habit of clenching and grinding.
Enhancing Facial Aesthetics: By promoting proper oral muscle function, Myofunctional Therapy can contribute to improved facial symmetry and harmony. It can help correct issues such as open bites, overbites, or underbites, resulting in a more balanced and attractive smile.
Speech Improvement: Certain speech disorders, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, can be associated with improper oral muscle function. Myofunctional Therapy can help strengthen the muscles involved in speech production, leading to clearer and more confident communication.

A Personalized Roadmap to Recovery - Your Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation In Chicago IL

At your comprehensive evaluation at Strobel Dentistry in Chicago, Myofunctional Therapy assessments are conducted by our certified Myofunctional Therapist, Leslie. She will evaluate your oral and facial muscle function, discuss your concerns, medical history, and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We will identify underlying issues through advanced diagnostic tools and expertise and create a roadmap for your therapy journey.

Your Myofunctional Therapy Procedure

Once your Myofunctional Therapy treatment plan is established, Leslie will guide you through a series of exercises and techniques to address your specific muscle dysfunctions.

These exercises focus on tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing techniques. Our experienced therapists will provide clear instructions and continuous support to ensure you feel confident and motivated throughout the process.

Myofunctional Therapy Recovery and Aftercare

After completing your Myofunctional Therapy sessions, it is essential to maintain good oral habits and continue practicing the exercises you have learned. Leslie will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions and ongoing support to ensure long-lasting results.