Airway, Myofunctional Therapy & TMJ/TMD: A Shift Toward an Orthopedic-Based Discussion

As dentistry shifts toward a complete oral and medical model with more and more practitioners recognizing the importance of dental sleep medicine and incorporation of myofunctional therapy concepts in a growing child, we recognize the need for a comprehensive assessment of cranio-facial growth prior to treatment planning. Often certain phenotypes are recognized as requiring the collaboration of both the general dentist, dental specialist as well as medical providers such as sleep physicians, otolaryngologists and oral myofunctional therapists. Who should lead the treatment considerations and when and what kind of intervention is needed? Dental imaging techniques have improved tremendously and Cone Beam CT as well as MRI can give practitioners a unique view of maxillary-mandibular relationships as well as the condition of the temporomandibular joints. Incorporating appropriate imaging of the TM joints is key in recognizing when airway space may be compromised and allow the dentist an orthopedic perspective especially in the growing child. As a parent as well as a healthcare provider, Dr. Lamberton has seen first hand how challenging it can be to stage appropriate interventions in this type of patient.