Treatment For Snoring And Sleep Apnea
Orofacial myology is a discipline that involves the application of a set of procedures and techniques used to correct the orofacial muscular imbalance, create adequate muscle patterns for swallowing, improve word articulation, eliminate harmful habits and improve patient aesthetics.
The development of orofacial functions is related to the breastfeeding technique, the baby’s first oral experience, and the development of facial structures. Alterations in any of these functional and structural factors can cause orofacial dysfunctions. Orofacial disorders can lead to speech disorders, snoring, sleep apnea, swallowing disorders, velopharyngeal insufficiency, among others.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common disorder caused by partial or total obstruction of the upper airway during sleep that results in a decrease in tissue oxygenation. These patients usually present with daytime sleepiness, headache, irritability, altered libido, and impotence, which causes a significant loss of quality of life.
Orofacial myologist helps eliminate snoring and alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, by applying specific exercises that increase the tone of the pharyngeal musculature.
The objective is to prevent the collapse of the upper airway by strengthening its muscular walls. The exercises are intended to increase the basal tone of the velopharyngeal musculature, favor the frontal displacement of the lingual base, and strengthen the maxillomandibular and labial musculature.
The specialist will evaluate the patient to determine which maneuvers to perform and if specific studies are necessary. It is important to emphasize that the rehabilitation time will depend on the constancy, discipline, and collaboration of the patient, in addition to their limitations.
Looking for an orofacial myologist within Vaughan? Call 416.835.5002 to book an appointment with PinaMazza, a Registered Dental Hygienist & Orofacial Myologist.