021 850 173
WELCOME TO NORTHLAND OROFACIAL MYOLOGY THERAPY
Your orofacial health is in good hands
NorthlandOFM is the leading Orofacial Myology practice in Whangarei New Zealand — We offer proactive, quality healthcare in a safe and non clinical environment.
Your orofacial health is our number one priority so allow it to be yours.
WHAT IS OROFACIAL MYOLOGY?
Correct function of oral and facial muscles is paramount for facial development including tooth alignment, jaw shape and function.
Orofacial Myology is the practice of restoring normal and mutual interaction of the muscles of the face and mouth, definition and respiration which is the basis of speaking, chewing and swallowing.
It is a programme designed to correct muscle dysfunction and abnormal swallowing patterns.
We offer Video link packages for those living further afield or rurally.
HAVE YOU HAD/HAVE?
oral habits, e.g. thumb or finger sucking, dummy, blanket, etc?
Habits such as nail biting, cheek and lip biting, clothes chewing and grinding of teeth?
Restricted airway, which can be due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a narrow or high palate, a large tongue, an over-sized uvula and/or allergies?
snoring?
frequent night-time urination?
tongue tie?
Neurological or developmental abnormalities?
Hereditary predisposition to some of the above factors?
WHAT IS AN OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL DISORDER?
In most cases it is the result of a combination of factors, and may result in any of the following:
Tongue thrusting
Incorrect tongue position
Crooked teeth
Crowded mouths
Mouth breathing
Poor posture
Incorrect chewing function
Altered speech patterns
Jaw dysfunctions and/or pain
Asymmetrical lip appearance and function
Asymmetrical facial appearance and function
HOW DOES THERAPY WORK?
Practitioners of Orofacial Myology
Therapy evaluate and treat patients with myofunctional disorders or anomalies, correcting poor muscle function of the lips, tongue, face and neck. Habits are formed over a lifetime and they do have long lasting health effects.
The therapy consists of exercises performed twice a day for 5 minutes with appointments set every two or three weeks. With cooperation and commitment a typical course of treatment takes approximately 9 visits for children and occasionally longer for adults.
The therapy is non invasive, gentle and works entirely with the patient and their capabilities.
CONTACT US
OUR OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPIST
Lorna has a background in dentistry having practiced as a dental hygienist for 30 years. With this experience and understanding of the mouth Lorna has diversified into oromyofunctional therapy to aid clients gain back functionality and learn how to use their mouths and muscles correctly. Lorna has become the first, and thus far, only certified orofacial myologist in New Zealand holding the COM® qualification from the IAOM. Clinics are held at two addresses in the Whangarei area and both are non dental environments. Lorna is proud to be an independent therapist and serving the Northland community.
