At Dreamwell Center, we are committed to helping patients achieve optimal oral function, health, and comfort. Our Myofunctional Therapy and Tongue Tie Release Program is designed to address tongue restrictions, improve oral posture, and enhance overall health and well-being. This program combines advanced therapy techniques with precise surgical intervention when necessary to provide lasting results.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. The goal is to correct dysfunctional oral habits and improve overall oral function. Common issues addressed include:
- Mouth breathing
- Tongue thrusting
- Incorrect swallowing patterns
- Poor tongue posture
By addressing these habits early, myofunctional therapy can improve facial development, speech clarity, dental alignment, and even sleep quality.
How Myofunctional Therapy Works
During therapy sessions, our specialists guide patients through exercises that strengthen the tongue and facial muscles. These exercises may include:
- Tongue positioning exercises
- Lip closure and strengthening techniques
- Swallowing and chewing retraining
- Breathing exercises to encourage nasal breathing
The therapy plan is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and progresses as they build muscle strength and proper oral habits.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than normal. This restriction can impact speech, eating, oral hygiene, and even dental development. Tongue ties are most often diagnosed in infants, but can remain unnoticed until childhood or adulthood.
Signs of a Tongue Tie
Some common signs include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding in infants
- Trouble licking lips or moving the tongue fully
- Speech difficulties
- Open-mouth posture
- Dental issues like crowding or misaligned teeth
Identifying a tongue tie early can prevent complications and improve long-term oral health.
Tongue Tie Release: What to Expect
Tongue tie release, also called a frenectomy, is a quick procedure that releases the restricted tissue to allow proper tongue movement. At Dreamwell Center, we use precise, minimally invasive techniques for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Procedure Overview
- The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia for children and adults.
- Using advanced surgical tools, the restrictive tissue is gently released.
- Post-procedure, patients may perform specific exercises to support healing and improve tongue function.
Benefits of Tongue Tie Release
- Improved tongue mobility and oral function
- Better swallowing and chewing patterns
- Enhanced speech clarity
- Reduced risk of dental and orthodontic issues
- Support for better breathing and sleep
Integrating Myofunctional Therapy with Tongue Tie Release
Combining myofunctional therapy with tongue tie release offers the best outcomes for patients. The therapy helps train the tongue and facial muscles after the release, ensuring the new range of motion is properly utilized. Patients experience improvements in posture, oral function, and overall health.
Who Can Benefit?
This program is suitable for:
- Infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties
- Children with speech or dental issues
- Adults with tongue restriction, sleep problems, or facial muscle weakness
- Anyone looking to improve oral posture and overall oral function
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if my child has a tongue tie?
A: Signs of a tongue tie in infants include difficulty latching during breastfeeding, clicking sounds while feeding, and poor weight gain. In older children, signs may include speech difficulties, mouth breathing, and trouble licking or swallowing. A consultation at Dreamwell Center can provide a proper diagnosis.
Q: Is tongue tie release painful?
A: The procedure is minimally invasive, and local anesthesia is used for comfort. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness afterward, which is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Q: How long does myofunctional therapy take?
A: Therapy duration varies based on the patient’s age and the severity of oral dysfunction. Most patients attend weekly sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, with exercises to practice at home. Progress is closely monitored to ensure effective results.
Q: Can adults benefit from myofunctional therapy?
A: Yes. Myofunctional therapy is effective for adults looking to improve tongue posture, breathing, swallowing, and overall oral function. Combined with tongue tie release when necessary, it can provide significant improvements at any age.
Q: Will insurance cover tongue tie release?
A: Coverage depends on the specific insurance plan and whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Our team at Dreamwell Center can help provide documentation and assist with insurance inquiries.
Why Choose Dreamwell Center
At Dreamwell Center, our team combines expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care. We prioritize patient comfort, personalized treatment plans, and long-term results. Whether your child or you need myofunctional therapy, tongue tie release, or a combination of both, our program is designed to support your journey to optimal oral health.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or your child is experiencing difficulties with tongue function, speech, or oral habits, do not wait. Schedule a consultation at Dreamwell Center today and discover how our Myofunctional Therapy and Tongue Tie Release Program can make a lasting difference.