Looking at this photo you may think that the editing got it wrong; why is the ‘After’ photo on the top? It is sad to say that the top photo is not the ‘After’ photo but rather the ‘Before’ photo. This image shows the client right out of braces! Thrilled with their new smile, no more wires or braces, ready to smile at the whole world! The bottom photo is 4 months post braces; the ‘After’ of a tongue thrust.

A tongue thrust is when the tongue pushes on the teeth with swallowing, speech and while at rest. This habit happens all throughout the day without the person realizing it which means the constant pressure is going to ensue war on the teeth. In a battle between muscle and bones, muscles always win meaning that the tongue is going to push and shift the teeth. The tongue is a strong muscle being able to push up to 6 pounds!

With braces being expensive and not ideal in adulthood, training the tongue and it’s behavior is crucial! Orofacial Myology does just that! With various exercises, the tongue thrust is able to be eliminated and as a result, teeth have a chance to shift back! Don’t let your time in braces be undone by your tongue!