Myofunctional Orthodontics
What is Myofunctional Orthodontics?
Myofunctional orthodontics is a sub-specialty of orthodontics that focuses on the treatment of patients with habits such as tongue thrusting, finger/thumb sucking, mouth breathing, etc. These habits can significantly affect the growth and development of the face, jaws, and bite. Dr. Trpkova will work with the patient on correcting these habits by providing them with adequate appliances and instructing them on using appropriate exercises. The goals of myofunctional treatment are to create proper lip closure, breathe through the nose, and have normal tongue function.
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The specialty of orthodontics involves much more than just moving teeth. The role of the orthodontist as an expert in the science of growth and development is to recognize any snoring or obstructive sleep apnea problems in patients. A cooperative multidisciplinary treatment between the family physician, ear nose and throat specialist, and sleep medicine specialist will be needed to manage these problems.
If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with our office for further evaluation.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue during the day
- Choking or gasping episodes during sleep
- Habitual loud snoring
- Abrupt awakening and shortness of breath
- Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Bed wetting
- Memory problems
- Sweating
- Bruxism (grinding or clenching teeth)