Early Intervention Orthodontics
Early Intervention Orthodontics
Early intervention, also called interceptive orthodontics, focuses on guiding proper jaw growth and addressing certain bite issues, such as an underbite, at an early age.
Evaluation
How to know if your child may need an Early Orthodontic Assessment
It’s a good idea to have your child evaluated if you notice any of the following signs:
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Does your child tend to keep their mouth open when relaxed—such as while watching TV, playing, or sleeping?
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When your child swallows or speaks, does their tongue push forward and the mouth remain open?
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Does your child still suck their thumb or fingers?
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Speech concerns can often be linked to tongue position and jaw development.
Orthodontic treatment can help correct the underlying structural cause, and if needed, we can refer your child to a speech specialist for further support.
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Do the upper front teeth noticeably protrude?
Does the lower jaw appear positioned further back?
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Do the lower teeth sit in front of or overlap the upper teeth when biting?
Is the chin more prominent, or the upper lip set back?
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Are the adult teeth erupting behind the baby teeth or other front teeth, creating two rows?
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Have baby teeth fallen out long ago, but the adult teeth haven’t appeared yet?
(This often happens with the lateral incisors.)
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When the back teeth touch, is there a noticeable space between the upper and lower front teeth?
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Are the new adult teeth coming in crooked or overlapping due to lack of space?
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Do the adult teeth appear widely spaced apart?
What is Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy?
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) focuses on the evaluation and rehabilitation of the muscles of the mouth and face. It examines how these muscles influence breathing, speech, chewing, swallowing, dental alignment, posture, and overall physical and emotional wellbeing (Holtzman, 2014).
What are Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders?
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) describe conditions in which the muscles of the mouth and face function abnormally. These may include habitual mouth breathing, incorrect tongue and lip resting positions, poor muscle tone or coordination, improper chewing and swallowing techniques, dental crowding or misalignment, and associated issues such as speech or postural difficulties (Hanson, 1982).
If you’re searching for experienced professionals offering orofacial myofunctional therapy in your area, our skilled team is here to help.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and Orthodontics
Many individuals referred for orthodontic treatment also exhibit signs of OMDs. Increasing evidence suggests that combining orthodontics with orofacial myofunctional therapy offers a more comprehensive approach to care.
By aligning the teeth while retraining breathing patterns, tongue posture, and swallowing function, patients can experience improved facial and jaw development. Furthermore, research indicates that integrating myofunctional therapy with orthodontic treatment can reduce the likelihood of relapse after braces or other corrective procedures.
Signs and symptoms of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders
OMDs can present through a wide range of symptoms, many of which appear early in life. Without treatment, these issues can persist and contribute to long-term health challenges.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Chronic mouth breathing
Underdeveloped or imbalanced facial growth
Speech difficulties
Short attention span or poor focus
Forward head posture
Slow eating habits
High, narrow palate
Dental decay or gum disease
Crowded or misaligned teeth
Enlarged tonsils
Poor posture
Sleep-disordered breathing or sleep apnoea
ADHD-like behaviours
Asthma or frequent ear infections (“glue ear”)
Picky or noisy eating habits
The Four Main Goals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
The primary objectives of OMT are to achieve:
Nasal breathing
Consistently during both day and night
Lip seal
Maintaining closed lips at rest
Correct tongue posture
Resting on the palate when not speaking or eating
Proper swallowing technique
Smooth, coordinated swallowing
These patterns should be maintained at all times except while talking, eating, or drinking.
Duration of Treatment
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is a gradual process rather than an immediate solution. Treatment involves a personalised exercise program lasting between 3 to 12 months, depending on the individual’s needs and the complexity of their condition.
Consistency is key—exercises are typically performed three times daily for about 10–15 minutes each session. Active participation and dedication are essential, and for children, parental involvement plays a vital role in ensuring success.
Who Can Benefit from OMT?
Both children and adults exhibiting signs of OMDs can benefit from therapy.
Adults can regain optimal muscle function, improve breathing, and enhance oral-facial coordination.
Children can develop healthier breathing habits, proper oral muscle patterns, and improved facial and dental growth during their formative years.