If speech-sound errors exist along with an orofacial myofunctional disorder, they typically involve the sounds that require tongue-tip elevation and alveolar/palatal ridge precision. In error, the tongue protrudes between or presses against the teeth causing a distorted production of the t, d, n, and l sounds and a frontal, lateral, or jaw protrusion lisp for the sounds “s ”, “z”, “sh,” “ch,” “tsh,” or “j”.
Another condition that can also impede proper speech production is a tongue-tie . In this case, the tongue tip is held down by the thick, tight, and/or short length of the tissue, or frenulum, that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This condition can result in poor and limited tongue range of motion and a lack of the coordination needed for proper speech production, chewing, and swallowing. Tongue-tie can also contribute to a lateral lisp. People with a tongue-tie can have difficulties with feeding, drooling, and may have a tongue-thrust swallowing pattern. R and L are common sounds that are difficult to achieve with a tongue-tie.
Myofunctional therapy teaches precise movements and placement of the tongue, along with muscle control. If the muscles and tongue are not working properly, an individual can have trouble producing these certain sounds. Myofunctional therapy does not replace speech therapy and traditional speech therapy alone may not always work to correct the speech-sound or orofacial myofunctional disorder in addition to an articulation issue but together they can help achieve great results.
How can orofacial myofunctional therapy help?
Myofunctional therapy teaches muscle control and precise movements along with proper placement of the tongue. Certain sounds can be difficult to produce if the muscles and tongue are not working properly. Myofunctional therapy does not replace speech therapy, but can be an adjunct to speech therapy and can help with results.
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