Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in Lake Charles

Correcting Muscle Imbalances for Better Breathing, Eating, and Speaking

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) occur when the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue do not function together properly. These imbalances can interfere with breathing, swallowing, chewing, and speech. At Hope Therapy Center in Lake Charles, we help patients of all ages retrain these muscles for improved comfort, coordination, and confidence.

Signs of OMDs may include mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, speech difficulties, and poor resting tongue posture. Over time, these issues can contribute to dental misalignment, jaw pain, or disrupted sleep. Through early and focused intervention, we help restore balance and promote natural oral development.

How Therapy Helps

Treatment begins with a detailed evaluation of tongue movement, breathing patterns, and muscle coordination. Based on your needs, our therapists design a personalized exercise program that strengthens and retrains oral and facial muscles.

Our goal is to correct swallowing patterns, encourage nasal breathing, and establish proper tongue posture. Consistent therapy can lead to improvements in speech clarity, facial balance, and overall oral health. Parents and caregivers also receive guidance to reinforce progress at home.

What to Expect

Each session at Hope Therapy Center is hands-on and personalized. We combine education with gentle, functional exercises that target specific muscle groups. Collaboration with dental and medical professionals ensures a well-rounded approach when needed.

Therapy frequency depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s progress, but most patients notice positive changes within a few weeks of consistent participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What causes orofacial myofunctional disorders?
A: These disorders may develop due to prolonged thumb sucking, mouth breathing, pacifier use, allergies, or structural issues in the jaw or airway.

Q: Can adults benefit from therapy?
A: Yes. Myofunctional therapy is effective for both children and adults dealing with tongue thrust, sleep-disordered breathing, or speech challenges.

Q: Is therapy painful?
A: No. Exercises are gentle and designed to strengthen muscles gradually without discomfort.

Improve your oral function and quality of life.

Contact Hope Therapy Center in Lake Charles today to schedule an appointment for Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and take the first step toward better breathing, eating, and speaking.