As Orofacial Myofunctional Therapists, we often meet parents concerned about their child’s facial development. Think of your child’s face as a growing garden – just as plants need the right conditions to grow symmetrically, facial development requires proper muscle function and habits to develop evenly. When these patterns are off-balance, it can lead to noticeable asymmetry in your child’s face.
Understanding Facial Asymmetry in Children
Common Signs
- One side of the face appearing fuller or more developed
- Uneven smile line
- Jaw shifting to one side
- One eye appearing smaller or at a different height
- Uneven cheek development
- Different ear positions
- Asymmetrical nose position
What Causes Facial Asymmetry?
Several factors can contribute to uneven facial development:
Functional Causes
- Chewing predominantly on one side
- Habitual mouth breathing
- Tongue resting position problems
- Uneven muscle strength
- Poor swallowing patterns
Environmental Factors
- Sleep position habits
- Extended pacifier or thumb sucking
- Bottle feeding position
- Screen time posture
- Head tilting habits
The Role of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)
Many cases of facial asymmetry stem from underlying Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. These conditions affect how facial muscles work together, potentially leading to:
- Imbalanced muscle development
- Irregular bone growth patterns
- Compensatory movements
- Changes in facial appearance
How OMT Can Help
At Valley OMT in Camp Hill, we specialize in addressing facial asymmetry through targeted Myofunctional Therapy. Our approach includes:
Comprehensive Treatment
- Detailed facial and functional assessment
- Customized exercise programs
- Correction of underlying muscle patterns
- Proper tongue positioning training
- Balance restoration exercises
- Posture improvement techniques
Long-term Benefits
- More symmetrical facial development
- Improved muscle balance
- Better oral function
- Enhanced facial appearance
- Proper growth patterns
- Increased self-confidence
Early Intervention is Key
The sooner we address facial asymmetry, the better the outcomes typically are. Early treatment can:
- Guide proper facial development
- Prevent worsening of asymmetry
- Support optimal growth patterns
- Reduce the need for extensive intervention later
Our Approach at Valley OMT
Serving the greater Harrisburg area, from Camp Hill to Carlisle, our team provides:
- Thorough initial evaluations
- Personalized treatment plans
- Regular progress monitoring
- Parent education and support
- Coordination with other healthcare providers
- Age-appropriate therapy techniques
Taking the First Step
If you’ve noticed unevenness in your child’s facial development, don’t wait to seek help. Our experienced team at Valley OMT understands your concerns and is here to help guide your child’s development in the right direction.
Contact our Camp Hill office today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work toward balanced, harmonious facial development for your child through the gentle, effective approach of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy.