Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontic Intervention: A Hands-On Approach

There is a rising awareness that Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a needed part of the dental health team when treating malocclusions. OMT identifies soft tissue concerns, such as Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs), which interfere with proper tongue and lips resting postures that negatively impact orofacial development. Including OMT as part of the treatment plan supports orthodontic stability, avoiding orthodontic relapse. Learning Objectives: 1) Understand orofacial myofunctional therapy and the role of the orofacial myofunctional therapist. 2) Understand the importance of oral rest postures and the impact on occlusion. 3) Identify TOTs and how to determine impact upon function of the oral complex. 4) Hands-on intraoral assessment of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs).