5 Signs You May Need Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is a specialized treatment aimed at improving the function of the tongue, mouth, and facial muscles. It addresses a range of issues related to breathing, swallowing, and oral health. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to long-term health complications. Here are five signs and symptoms that indicate you might benefit from myofunctional … Continued

The Importance of Addressing Tongue Thrust

Tongue thrust, also known as *orofacial myofunctional disorder* (OMD), is a condition where the tongue exerts an abnormal forward or lateral force against the teeth during swallowing, speaking, and even at rest. This seemingly small habit can lead to significant dental and orthodontic problems if left untreated. Understanding how tongue thrust affects the oral structures … Continued

The Critical Role of the Jaw, Skull, and Neck in Airway Dentistry

As an airway-focused dental practice, we see firsthand how deeply interconnected the structures of the jaw, skull, and neck are when it comes to oral health and overall well-being. Integrative dentistry is no longer just about treating teeth in isolation; it’s about understanding how the entire craniofacial system functions and how these structures affect critical … Continued

Underdeveloped Jaws: How Modern Habits Impact Facial Growth and Airway Development

The structure and development of our jaws play a crucial role in overall health, particularly in how we breathe, sleep, and align our teeth and tongues. Yet, modern lifestyles and environmental factors are increasingly contributing to underdeveloped jaws—a condition that can lead to misaligned teeth, airway problems, sleep issues, and a host of other health … Continued

Myofunctional Therapy: Re-Educating Muscles for Better Health

Myofunctional therapy is gaining increasing attention for its ability to address a range of health issues, from TMJ disorders to airway obstructions like sleep apnea and tongue tie. This therapy involves retraining the muscles of the mouth, face, and throat to improve function, posture, and overall health. It is a natural, non-invasive approach that can … Continued

Expansive Clear Aligners: An Integrative Approach to Dental Alignment and Overall Health

Integrative and bio rejuvenation dentistry focuses beyond aesthetics or symptom treatment. Instead, it seeks to promote long-term health and harmony within the body. One tool that we use at Santa Teresa Smiles that aligns with these principles is expansive clear aligners, which are helping our patients see not only beautiful smiles, but also improving their … Continued

Nasal Breathing and The Vital Role of Nasal Nitric Oxide

As an integrative airway dental practice, we have seen firsthand the profound impact that proper nasal breathing can have on overall health. Central to this discussion is nasal nitric oxide (nNO), a remarkable molecule produced in the paranasal sinuses and released during nasal breathing. Understanding the importance of nasal nitric oxide can transform our approach … Continued

The Essential Role of Palate Expansion in Children: Enhancing Dental Function and Health

Palate expansion, or palatal expansion, is a crucial orthodontic treatment for children with a narrow upper or lower jaw. From an integrative dental perspective, expansion offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the obvious aesthetic improvements. Understanding the importance of palate expansion in children requires an exploration of the functional benefits and the long-term impacts on … Continued

Integrative Dentistry: Muscle Function and Oral Health

Muscle function plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, yet its significance often goes unnoticed in traditional dental care. Research highlights the connection between muscle function and various oral health conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, malocclusion, and more. Understanding the role of muscle function in these conditions is essential for providing … Continued

Understanding the Vital Difference Between Airway and Airflow for Optimal Health

The terms “airway” and “airflow” are frequently used. While they might seem synonymous at first glance, they represent distinct aspects of our respiratory and oral anatomy, each playing crucial roles in our overall well-being. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is essential for comprehending their impact on health, particularly dental health. The difference between … Continued

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