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Risks & Limitations

Risks & Limitations of Myofunctional Therapy

 

Successful myofunctional therapy treatment is a partnership between the therapist and the patient. Your orthodontist, myofunctional therapist and all other providers involved are dedicated to achieving the best possible result for each patient. As a general rule, informed and cooperative patients can achieve incredible and very successful results from their therapy. While recognizing the benefits of a healthy swallowing pattern, proper tone and functioning of the face and mouth muscles, and a correct resting posture for the lips and tongue, you should also be aware that as with any form of treatment there are limitations and risks. These are seldom serious enough to indicate that you should not undergo treatment,  however, it is important for you to know and understand this information. Myofunctional Therapy is a specialized treatment that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of myofunctional disorders, as well as habits associated with or causing these muscular
concerns.

 

Results of Treatment

Myofunctional therapy treatment usually proceeds as planned, and I intend to do everything I can to help you achieve the best result possible. However, because this type of treatment involves patient participation and at-home involvement, I cannot guarantee that you will be completely satisfied with the results if the assignments and exercises are not completed outside of your scheduled appointments. The success of your therapy depends on the level of cooperation and involvement that you are willing to take at home.


Length of Treatment

The length of the “intensive” phase of treatment depends on the number of myofunctional issues, including the severity of the problem, the patient’s growth, maturity level, and= the amount of at-home cooperation. The actual treatment time period that can range in length from a few months to one year.

 

The period of time considered “intensive” may be lengthened if , for example, digit habits are involved, periodontal or dental problems occur, or if patient participation is not adequate. Therefore, changes in the original treatment plan may become necessary. If treatment time is extended beyond the original estimate, additional fees may be assessed.

 

Relapse

Completing myofunctional therapy treatment does not guarantee perfect oral and facial musculature patterns for the rest of a person’s life. Therapy will help develop awareness of correct swallowing patterns, facial musculature, resting posture of the lips and tongue, and eliminate habits, but without maintaining this awareness, old habits and muscle patterns can resurface months or years later. As long as an awareness of the myofunctional concern is maintained, relapse should not occur.


Allergies

Allergies are a very common problem in our society. It is important to determine the cause of allergies prior to beginning therapy. Occasionally, patients with chronic allergy/nasal congestion require a change in the treatment plan in order to reduce this congestion and increase airway capacity. This must be completed to ensure successful myofunctional treatment. Although very uncommon, medical management may be necessary.


Temporomandibular (Jaw) Joint Dysfunction

Many patients can find relief from problems that occur in the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints or TMJ), causing pain, headaches, or ear problems through myofunctional therapy. However, because problems associated with the TMJ are multi-faceted, and can be rooted in non-muscular causes, myofunctional therapy is not guaranteed to help all patients with TMJ conditions. We are pleased when myofunctional exercises prove to be beneficial in reducing pain or other symptoms of the TMJ, but cannot predict that these outcomes will be consistent for every patient undergoing therapy. Treatment by other medical or dental specialists may be necessary.

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Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Frenectomy (surgical release of a restricted frenum)

Many patients experience myofunctional disorders caused by a tight or restricted lingual frenum. This effects an estimated 10% of the general population, and occurs when the tongue is “tied” or anchored to the floor of the mouth by a piece of tissue. In some cases, it is impossible to proceed with myofunctional therapy because the tongue is severely restricted and unable to function or move properly. In this circumstance, a procedure called a frenectomy must be performed to release the tight tissue underneath the tongue.

 

Without a frenectomy, improper resting posture, swallowing patterns, and orofacial musculature cannot be corrected. Treatment by a dentist or oral surgeon may be necessary. *Orthodontic evaluation may be
necessary to help diagnose underlying skeletal disharmony that could affect successful outcomes for frenectomy in relation to tongue space.


Speech Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy is not considered to be speech therapy; these are two separate and distinct fields. However, myofunctional therapy has been shown to improve speech when muscular concerns are the underlying issue. Myofunctional Therapy has a foundational role in correcting speech problems, and can be considered a “building block” that is often part of achieving successful speech outcomes. Once correct muscle patterning and swallow are attained through myofunctional therapy, a basic level of muscular
control is reached, which dramatically increase the success rate for correcting speech problems. Due to the wide variation in causes for speech concerns and disorders, it is impossible to guarantee that myofunctional therapy alone will improve your speech. Treatment by a licensed speech therapist may be necessary.

 

If any of the conditions or complications mentioned above do exist or occur, a referral may be necessary to your family dentist or other dental professional or medical specialist for further treatment. Fees for these services are not included in the cost for myofunctional therapy treatment.

 

Acknowledgement

By utilizing this website or any Lips Sealed services, you agree that you have read, understand and agree to theitems contained on this page and website, specifically you agree that: 

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"I  have read and fully understand the treatment considerations and risks presented in this form. I also understand that there are problems that can occur and that actual results may differ from the anticipated results. I also acknowledge that I have discussed this form with Elisha Allred, Oralfacial Myologist at Lips Sealed Myofunctional Therapy and have been given the opportunity to ask any questions. I have been asked to make a choice about my treatment. I hereby consent to the treatment proposed and authorize Elisha Allred, Oral Facial Myologist at Lips Sealed Myofunctional Therapy to provide treatment. I also authorize Elisha Allred, Oralfacial Myologist at Lips Sealed to provide my healthcare information to my other health care providers. I understand that my treatment fee covers only treatment provided by Elisha Allred, Oralfacial Myologist at Lips Sealed and that treatment provided by other dental or medical professionals is not included in the fee for my myofunctional therapy treatment."

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