What are the
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) are disorders of the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. OMDs involve behaviors and patterns created by inappropriate muscle function and incorrect habits involving the tongue, lips, jaw and face.
OMDs may affect, directly and/or indirectly,
- breastfeeding,
- facial skeletal growth and development,
- chewing,
- swallowing,
- speech,
- occlusion,
- temporomandibular joint movement,
- oral hygiene,
- stability of orthodontic treatment,
- facial esthetics, and more.
Of the many possible myofunctional variations, those involving the tongue and lips receive the most attention. A tongue thrust is the most common orofacial myofunctional variation. During the act of swallowing, (deglutition), and/or during rest posture, an incorrect positioning of the tongue may contribute to improper orofacial development and maintenance of the misalignment of the teeth. An orofacial variation that relates to the lips is an open mouth, lips apart resting posture. This is often referred to as lip incompetence and can distract from a pleasing facial appearance.