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​1800 E. Northwest Highway

​Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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Kristin@MillerTherapyLLC.com

Who should receive Myofunctional Therapy? miller therapy tongue thrust, miller therapy orofacial myology

"Orofacial Myology is a specialized oral discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscle (myo-) postural and functional disorders and habit patterns that may disrupt normal dental development and also create cosmetic problems."  - IAOM miller therapy tongue thrust


Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) may have a negative effect on the development of the teeth and jaws, which may cause misarticulated speech patterns.


A tongue thrust, or incorrect swallow pattern and tongue resting posture, is the most common OMD.  During rest, an incorrect position of the tongue may contribute to improper orofacial development, misalignment of the teeth, and articulation errors.


Restoring a normal rest posture of the tongue and lips and eliminating an incorrect swallow pattern can:

  • Help guide the teeth into a more desirable relationship during the growth and development years
  • Assist the dentist or orthodontist in aligning the teeth and jaws properly
  • Assist stabilization of the teeth during and/or after orthodontic treatment and/or surgery


Early identification and treatment can correct incorrect oral postures, facilitate normal dental growth and development, and reduce abnormal habits ultimately helping to maintain better oral health and articulation. miller therapy tongue thrust miller therapy orofacial myology


Some signs and symptoms of an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) include:


  • Open mouth posture with lips apart
  • Forward resting position of the tongue
  • Diastema or abnormal spacing between teeth
  • Misarticulation of speech sounds (namely "s", "z", "sh", "ch", "j")
  • Improper swallow pattern or "tongue thrust"
  • "Messy eater"
  • Drooling
  • TMJ problems

Why get treatment? miller therapy tongue thrust, miller therapy orofacial myology

What is Orofacial Myology? miller therapy tongue thrust

Orofacial Myology in Arlington Heights miller therapy orofacial myology Miller Therapy, LLC Orofacial Myology

What causes OMD? miller therapy tongue thrust, miller therapy orofacial myology

Orofacial Myology in Arlington Heights​ miller therapy tongue thrust

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Some of the most common contributing factors include one or more of the following: miller therapy tongue thrust, miller therapy orofacial myology​

  • Airway restrictions due to:
    • Allergies or congested nasal passages
    • Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
  • Restricted lingual frenum, or "tongue tie"
  • Improper, prolonged oral habit:
    • Thumb sucking and finger sucking
    • Pacifier sucking
    • Nail biting
    • Cheek biting
    • High, narrow palate
    • Abnormally large tongue
    • Neurological genetic problems



Correcting an OMD through therapy can help: miller therapy tongue thrust orofacial myology


  • Stabilize  current dental and orthodontic treatments
  • Improve  articulation and speech intelligibility
  • Increase  awareness of tongue, lip, and jaw posture
  • Establish  normal swallow patters
  • Maintain  a child's optimum oral health for a lifetime of benefits