Empowering Dentistry Through Myofunctional Therapy: A Path to Success

by Melissa Mugno, OMT, RDH

In the ever-evolving landscape of dentistry, particularly within the realm of sleep dentistry, the integration of myofunctional therapy (MFT) stands out as a transformative approach. As a passionate myofunctional therapist, my mission is to simplify the complexities of treatment planning for dental professionals while enhancing patient outcomes. The essence of my work lies in addressing critical aspects of oral health, such as breathing patterns, tongue posture, and oral habits – elements that profoundly impact the efficacy of dental treatments.

Understanding the Core Principles of Myofunctional Therapy

While many dental professionals are familiar with the fundamental principles of MFT, it is vital to remember its profound implications on overall dental health. At its core, MFT focuses on correcting improper oral and facial muscle function. This involves not only recognizing but addressing soft tissue dysfunction, which can significantly affect a patient’s ability to breathe and adapt to dental appliances.

Breathing is a foundational aspect of life, yet many patients struggle with dysfunctional breathing patterns. This struggle can lead to inadequate oxygenation during dental procedures, discomfort with appliances, and even long-term health complications. By incorporating myofunctional therapy into treatment plans, we can help patients breathe easier, tolerate appliances more comfortably, and improve overall compliance.

Addressing Pain Points for Effective Solutions

One of the most powerful tools in my toolkit is the ability to identify and address hidden pain points – those “unseen rocks” that can disrupt progress for both dentists and patients. Early in my career, I realized that effective problem-solving begins with understanding these challenges.

For Dentists: These pain points might include managing patient anxiety, appliance intolerance, or inefficient treatment processes. For example, I worked with a dentist who struggled with high cancellation rates due to anxious patients. By introducing nasal breathing techniques, we were able to create a more calming experience.

Contrary to popular belief, just because someone is alive doesn’t mean they’re breathing well. Many patients needing large restorative treatment plans suffer from myofunctional disorders and poor breathing habits. Overbreathing (hyperventilation) can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and racing thoughts. Through Myofunctional Therapy (MFT), we can teach simple, effective techniques that patients can use to experience immediate results. These techniques not only help patients feel calmer during appointments but also lead to improved attendance and a more positive experience for both the dentist and the patient.

For Patients: Pain points often center on discomfort, frustration with lengthy treatment timelines, or confusion about their oral health needs. One patient I worked with experienced fatigue and jaw pain during orthodontic treatment, which led to frustration and a lack of compliance. Through MFT exercises focused on tongue posture and swallowing patterns, we addressed the root causes of their discomfort. Over time, these exercises reduced their pain, increased their energy levels, and re-engaged them in the treatment process.

Meet Patient X: Overcoming Appliance Intolerance

Patient X, a 64-year-old woman, presented to her dentist with significant clenching and grinding issues. Her dentist recommended an appliance to address these concerns, but she struggled to tolerate it. Frustrated and convinced that the appliance was a profit-driven suggestion, she almost left the practice. This is a common scenario where patients, seeking someone to blame, often direct their frustration at the provider.

The dentist, who I was working to onboard with MFT, mentioned this case to me. I suggested that I try some therapy with her to help her become more comfortable with the appliance and, more importantly, to build her awareness of why and how she had developed these habits in the first place.

Step 1: Building Trust

I spent time getting to know her and understanding her frustrations. This trust-building phase is something many busy practices simply don’t have the time to offer, but it’s a critical step in creating buy-in for treatment.

Step 2: Introducing the Myo Munchee

We started slowly with a soft chewing device called the Myo Munchee. This served two purposes:

1. It helped her grow more comfortable with the sensation of having something in her mouth.
2. The bristles on the appliance desensitized the soft tissue around her cheeks and began the process of acclimating her to chewing and swallowing with the appliance.

Breathing, chewing, and swallowing might seem automatic, but for many patients, they are surprisingly challenging and need to be retrained.

Step 3: Fun and Functional Exercises

After a few weeks, we incorporated exercises to engage her tongue and soft palate, like humming while chewing. These exercises gave her a sense of control and started building strength in her soft palate.

Step 4: Awareness and Progress

Six weeks into therapy, she began asking questions and noticing things about her own anatomy – such as her tight frenum and how much she relied on her neck muscles to compensate for her tongue’s limited mobility. This growing awareness helped her connect the dots and engage more fully in her treatment journey.

Step 5: Expanding the Vision

After successfully tolerating her appliance, Patient X decided to continue treatment and took further steps by opting for a tongue-tie release. Recognizing the benefits of a more functional approach, she also began adult expansion therapy to address her airway and overall oral structure.

This case highlights how MFT can serve as a powerful ally for both dentists and patients. I like to think of us as AIRWAY Traffic Controllers – we aim to ensure clear communication and help navigate tough obstacles, making the path to better oral and overall health as smooth as possible. By addressing the root causes, fostering trust, and empowering patients, we create outcomes that benefit everyone involved.