Transforming faces one smile at a time
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is an exercise-based treatment that retrains the resting posture of the tongue, jaw, lips and facial muscles to facilitate speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing. Therapy is facilitated by certified orofacial myologists (COM’s). COM’s assist with habit elimination, proper functioning, and establishing normal neuromuscular function. Exercises normalize craniofacial regions of the mouth (oro), face (facial) and regions of the neck (oropharyngeal areas). Babies with cleft palate and individuals with other neurological and muscular disorders can also benefit from myofunctional therapy.
– IAOM
Kathleen Elder, COM, opened Digits and Spots Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in 1983.
Kathleen is passionate about the prevention and the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD’s) and their influence on proper orofacial growth and function.
Her expertise includes:
- Elimination of digit and other oral habits.
- Recognition of tongue, buccal (cheek) and lip ties.
- Correction of tongue thrust and open mouth breathing postures.
- Establishment of a proper oral rest posture and swallowing pattern.
- Enacting of a patent nasal breathing and improved body posture alignment.
Kathleen works in a team approach with medical and dental specialists in attaining these goals for her patients.
Facial growth and development is dependent on genetics, environmental factors, and the way we breathe. Mouth breathing, or open lips mouth posture, leads to changes in the way the tongue works and where it rests in the mouth. It brings about a low resting tongue posture that negatively affects facial growth.
Nearly 90% of mid-face growth occurs from birth to age 7 years of age. The vertical elevation of the entire tongue (including the posterior seal) is necessary for the optimal development of the maxilla (palate) and stimulation of the palatal sutures for growth. With proper development of the maxilla, the mandible (lower jaw) will follow the maxilla in forward growth. The maxilla and mandible should fit together like a lid on a box.
Symptoms of untreated mouth breathing may include:
- Open, dry lips
- Short upper lip, gummy smile
- Recessed, dimpled (golf ball) chin
- Dark circles under the eyes (shiners)
- Nasal salute line across the middle of the nose
- Dental gingivitis and decay issues
- Narrow upper palate
- Teeth crowding
Orofacial growth and development checklist:
1 ) Does or did your child, use a pacifier, have a digit/tongue sucking or nail-biting habit?
2 ) Is there nasal congestion, food and/or seasonal allergies present?
3 ) Are the lips parted, the tongue resting low or extended between the teeth and lips?
4 ) Is or was your child a messy or noisy eater?
5 ) Does or did your child drool during daytime hours or while sleeping?
6 ) Is there any restriction in the movement of the tongue or lips?
7 ) Is or was your child slow in speaking, and/or is their speech mumbled or garbled?
8 ) Is or was your child a restless sleeper, or do they snore/experience noisy breathing?
*If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your child could benefit from a consultation with Kathleen. She can assist your child in becoming their best self.