Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr here, and today I want to talk about a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: Myofunctional therapy and sleep apnea. As a dentist, I see firsthand how this condition can wreak havoc on people’s lives, leaving them exhausted, irritable, and at risk for serious health problems down the road. But here’s the good news: there’s a little-known treatment option that’s been gaining a lot of buzz lately, and it’s called myofunctional therapy.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Myo-what now?” Don’t worry; I’ll break it down for you. But first, let me tell you why I’m so excited about this therapy and how it ties in with another revolutionary treatment called the Vivos system. Trust me; by the end of this post, you’ll be chomping at the bit to learn more!
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Myofunctional therapy is like a workout for your face, mouth, and throat muscles. Just like you hit the gym to keep your body in shape, myofunctional therapy helps keep your oral muscles toned and functioning properly.
The goal of this therapy is to retrain these muscles to work the way they’re supposed to. That means teaching your tongue to rest in the right position, encouraging proper swallowing patterns, and promoting nose breathing instead of mouth breathing. It might sound simple, but the benefits can be huge!
By strengthening and coordinating these muscles, myofunctional therapy can help with a whole host of issues, from speech problems to teeth grinding to – you guessed it – sleep apnea. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
Now, before we get into how myofunctional therapy can help with sleep apnea specifically, let’s talk about orofacial myofunctional disorders or OMDs for short. These are conditions where the muscles of your face and mouth aren’t working the way they should.
One common OMD is tongue thrust, where your tongue pushes against your teeth when you swallow instead of staying in its proper position. Over time, this can lead to orthodontic issues and even change the shape of your face!
Another big one is mouth breathing. I know, it seems harmless enough, but breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can cause all sorts of problems, from dry mouth to gum disease to – you guessed it again – sleep apnea.
OMDs can be caused by a variety of factors, from genetics to allergies to certain habits like thumb-sucking. But the good news is that myofunctional therapy can help correct these disorders and get your oral muscles back on track.
How Myofunctional Therapy Helps with Sleep Apnea
Okay, so now that we’ve covered the basics of myofunctional therapy and OMDs, let’s talk about the main event: how this therapy can help with sleep apnea.
As I mentioned earlier, mouth breathing is a common OMD that can contribute to sleep apnea. When you breathe through your mouth, your tongue and jaw can fall back into your throat, blocking your airway and causing those dreaded pauses in breathing. Over time, this can lead to some serious health problems, from high blood pressure to heart disease.
But here’s where myofunctional therapy comes in. By retraining your oral muscles to function properly, this therapy can help keep your airway open and reduce the severity of your sleep apnea. And when you combine it with other treatments, like the Vivos system (more on that in a minute), the results can be truly life-changing!
Imagine waking up feeling rested and refreshed, without having to rely on a bulky CPAP machine or undergo invasive surgery. That’s the power of myofunctional therapy, folks!
The Vivos Treatment: A Comprehensive Solution
Now, I know I’ve been teasing this Vivos treatment throughout the post, so let me give you the scoop. The Vivos system is a revolutionary CPAP alternative approach to treating sleep apnea and airway issues, and it’s unlike anything else out there.
Here’s how it works: the Vivos oral appliance is custom-made to fit your mouth, and you wear it for 12-16 hours a day, mostly while you sleep. Over time, the appliance gently expands your arches and opens up your airway, allowing you to breathe easier and more deeply.
But here’s the really cool part: the Vivos system is the only oral appliance that’s been cleared by the FDA to treat mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. That’s right – even if you have a more serious case of sleep apnea, the Vivos treatment could be a game-changer for you!
And unlike CPAP, which requires you to wear a mask every night for the rest of your life, or surgery, which can be invasive and risky, the Vivos treatment is a holistic, non-invasive approach that addresses the root cause of your sleep apnea. It’s like the best of both worlds!
The Role of Dentists in Myofunctional Therapy and Sleep Apnea Treatment
So, you might be wondering: what does all of this have to do with dentists? Well, as it turns out, dentists like myself and Dr. Jamielyn Hanam-Jahr at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and airway issues.
Consider this: we spend our days studying mouths, so we’re experts in oral health! Beyond that, we have the expertise to spot sleep apnea and OMDs. We create personalized treatment plans that tackle the root causes of these issues.
Conclusion
At Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry, we understand you want to be well-rested and energized. To achieve this, you need to address the root cause of your sleep apnea and airway issues. Many treatments offer only temporary relief, leaving you frustrated and hopeless.
We believe everyone deserves a good night’s sleep and a vibrant life. We know how debilitating sleep apnea can be. That’s why we specialize in advanced treatments like myofunctional therapy and the Vivos system.
Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive evaluation: We start by thoroughly assessing your symptoms, medical history, and airway function to get to the bottom of your sleep apnea and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Myofunctional therapy: We offer expert guidance and support as you embark on a course of myofunctional therapy to retrain your oral muscles and promote healthy breathing patterns.
- The Vivos system: As a certified Vivos provider, Dr. Hanam-Jahr can custom-fit you with an oral appliance that gently expands your airway over time, providing long-term relief from sleep apnea and other airway issues.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your sleep and start living your best life, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Jamielyn Hanam-Jahr at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry. And in the meantime, visit our website to learn more about myofunctional therapy, the Vivos system, and other cutting-edge treatments for sleep apnea and airway issues.
Don’t let sleep apnea hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards a brighter, more rested future by contacting Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry today!
Schedule your consultation and see if you qualify for a free home sleep test today!
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FAQs
How much does myofunctional therapy cost?
The cost of myofunctional therapy can vary depending on your location, insurance coverage, and the severity of your condition. On average, a course of treatment can range from $1,500 to $3,000, but many insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost.
Does myofunctional therapy really work?
Yes! Studies have shown that myofunctional therapy can be highly effective in treating sleep apnea, OMDs, and other airway issues. In fact, many patients report significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few weeks of therapy.
What type of doctor does myofunctional therapy?
Myofunctional therapy is typically provided by dentists, orthodontists, or speech therapists who have received specialized training in this area. Look for a provider who is experienced in treating sleep apnea and airway issues, like Dr. Jamielyn Hanam-Jahr at Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry.
Is orofacial myofunctional therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover myofunctional therapy, especially when it is deemed medically necessary for the treatment of sleep apnea or other airway issues. However, coverage can vary depending on your specific plan, so it’s always best to check with your insurance provider.
Who is a candidate for myofunctional therapy?
Anyone who suffers from sleep apnea, OMDs, or other airway issues may be a candidate for myofunctional therapy. This includes both children and adults, as well as patients who have tried other treatments without success.
How long does it take to see results from myofunctional therapy?
Many patients report improvements in their symptoms after just a few weeks of therapy, but the full course of treatment can take several months to a year, depending on the severity of your condition. Your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.
Is myofunctional therapy dental or medical?
Myofunctional therapy is considered a dental treatment, as it focuses on the muscles and functions of the mouth and face. However, it is often used in conjunction with medical treatments, such as CPAP or surgery, to provide a comprehensive approach to sleep apnea and airway issues.
