Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)

Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are movement patterns that interfere with the growth, development, or use of the mouth and face. OMDs can co-occur with a variety of speech and swallowing disorders.

Communication Works speech-language pathologists, Paige Leising and Celeste May, have specialized training in orofacial myofunctional disorders. They offer services for individuals who have OMD characterized by one, some, or all of these symptoms:

• Tongue thrust (i.e., tongue is habitually forward at rest, during speech, and/or when swallowing)
• Open mouth posture (while breathing and at rest)
• Dental abnormalities (over-, open-, or under-bite)
• Speech errors on /s, z/ (sounds like a lisp)
• Incorrect tongue placement (for sounds such as /t, d, n, l, sh, ch, j/)
• Drooling and/or poor oral control (past age 2)
• Thumb-sucking or pacifier use (past 12 months)

Paige and Celeste combine their knowledge of speech pathology with their training in orofacial myofunctional disorders to provide a specialized program of instruction resulting in notable change

Individuals considering braces might ask their dentists and orthodontists about OMD therapy to enhance the orthodontic process and ensure long-lasting results.