It is well known that nasal airway problems are a the primary cause of an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD), so recognizing the signs of sinusitis is important.
Sinusitis in Texas (and the rest of the United States) is a common problem. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 29 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis.
Remarkably, that’s nearly 13 percent of the entire population.
We hear you asking, “What is sinusitis?”
My patient, Gerald, age 52 years old, sent me this selfie photo when his orthodontic braces were removed. Look at that happy smile!
“Is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) or Tongue Thrust Therapy just for Kids?”
I get asked this question everyday and the answer is, “Absolutely Not!”
The oldest patient I have seen for orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) has been 76 years of age!
OMT was initiated on this patient in 2013, when he was 49 years old and he graduated from OMT when he was 52 years old.
Gerald was initially referred to me by his orthodontist, Dr. Cliff Alexander of Preston Hollow Orthodontics in 2007 when he was 43 years old. He was diagnosed as being an orthodontic surgical case and Gerald decided to postpone treatment because he did not want surgery.
After specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for almost 40 years, I have found it is NOT the tongue thrust swallow that causes malocclusions but it is the INCORRECT ORAL REST POSTURE OF THE TONGUE AND LIPS that causes dental malocclusions due, primarily, to nasal airway issues. Most patients with dental malocclusions also have lip incompetence so the tongue provides the anterior seal rather than the lips as seen in this 8 year old male patient in the Before photos. The After photos demonstrate the results of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).
When I first started my private practice specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (also known as “tongue thrust”) and Articulation Speech Disorders in 1977, I always thought I needed to be “professional” at all times but I quickly learned I can be professional ~ AND have Fun!
As an IAOM Certified Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy (or what has been referred to as “tongue thrust therapy”) since 1977, I get asked everyday,”Does Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy really work?”
The answer is, “Absolutely!”
I think the best way to demonstrate proof of how Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) really works is to show the long term results of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) through photographs of my patient’s teeth.