Oromyofunctional

Art Dental is one the only Practice that maintains a consultant relationship with an Oromyofunctional specialist and Speech and Language Pathologist.

We Are a whole person practice- where most dental offices focus on simple aesthetics and not
functionality- we take the Art of dentistry and implantology to a new level. We want satisfied customers.
Satisfaction after implantation directly correlates with your outcome in eating and speech comfort as
well as aesthetics. On occasion modifications in form and location of the teeth may affect speech, as is
the case with tooth loss, denture wearing, or tooth rehabilitations. Changes in speech are typically self-
correcting as an adaptation to your new dentures/implants take place. In the rare case where speech
issues still present as a significant issue, Gladys is here to help. Based out of the US and a former implant
patient, she is uniquely positioned to help you.

Gladys serves as a resource for our clients as an additional source of information as well as a resource-related issues pre and post-dental implant procedures. Initial consultations are included with your dental
package here at ART Dental.

Just as physical therapy helps to train our bodies back into optimal shape after an injury, Myofunctional
therapy helps by training the soft tissues of the face, neck, and mouth to function at the height of their
ability. Myofunctional therapy is also an important adjunct to numerous orofacial surgeries. Our goal is
to cultivate an awareness of muscle use and develop a therapy program of regular exercises designed
specifically to your needs if needed.

When should oromyofunctional therapy be considered?
1. When patients have pre-existing parafunctional habits
a.) Articulation concerns (difficulty producing sounds ie. Lisp)
b.) Articulation concerns post-implantation in any stage
c.) Parafunctional habits such as thumb and tongue sucking, lip and cheek biting, and mouth
breathing.
2. Benefits
a.) Can aid in functional speech impediments (lisps with saying “s” sounds)
b.) May provide relief of TMJ dysfunction and teeth grinding by enhancing proper muscle
functions.
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is described as neuromuscular re-education of the oral-facial muscles
through a series of exercises, to assist in the normalization of the developing or developed craniofacial
structures and functions.