ORAL HABIT CESSATION

Habit cessation and myofunctional therapy go hand-in-hand when it comes to addressing oral habits that can disrupt proper oral development and function. Here's a breakdown of how they work together:

  • This refers to the process of stopping unwanted oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or lip sucking. These habits can cause misalignment of teeth, open bites, speech difficulties, and other problems.
  • Habit cessation techniques can involve positive reinforcement, behavior modification strategies, and sometimes the use of oral appliances.
  • In the context of habit cessation, myofunctional therapy addresses the underlying reasons why someone might engage in these habits, such as improper tongue posture or weak oral muscles.

How They Work Together:

  • Breaking the Habit Cycle: Habit cessation helps break the physical act of the unwanted habit.
  • Myofunctional Therapy for Long-Term Change: Myofunctional therapy addresses the underlying causes and muscle imbalances that contribute to the habit, reducing the urge to continue and preventing relapse.

Benefits of Combining Treatment:

  • Increased Success Rates: Addressing both the physical habit and the underlying causes significantly increases the chances of successful habit cessation.
  • Improved Oral Function: Retraining the oral muscles can lead to better tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and overall oral health.
  • Reduced Need for Orthodontics: Early intervention with habit cessation and myofunctional therapy can sometimes prevent the need for orthodontic treatment like braces to correct misalignment caused by bad habits.

Who Can Benefit:

  • Children with Oral Habits: Early intervention is key. Myofunctional therapy can help address habits before they cause significant problems.
  • Adults with Persistent Habits: It's never too late to break bad habits. Myofunctional therapy can help adults improve oral function and potentially avoid the need for more invasive treatments.
  • Individuals Who Have Relapsed After Orthodontic Treatment: Myofunctional therapy can help address any underlying muscular imbalances that might contribute to relapse after braces or aligners.